INVESTIGATING COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES IN ONLINE EDUCATION AT HIGHER EDUCATION IN PUNJAB

Abstract

This study investigates the communication challenges faced by teachers in online education at higher education level in Punjab. It was a quantitative study with descriptive survey design. Data were collected through a survey from 75 conveniently selected teachers across colleges & institutions using a self-developed five-point rating scale. The findings reveal that significant proportion of teachers experienced high levels of social isolation (32.3%), weak interaction with students (41.9%), lack of student motivation (47.3%), and difficulties in conceptual learning (57%) and assessment (63.4%). Also, the analysis showed differences based upon gender, location (urban/rural), and IT skills. The study underlines the difficulties faced in online teaching, emphasizing the need for directed interventions to increase teachers' digital pedagogy, develop meaningful student engagement and adopt assessment-related issues. It highlights importance of implementing a hybrid teaching-learning approach by associated online classes with traditional methods to moderate the identified challenges. It is recommended to focus on teachers’ digital pedagogy, technological proficiency, as well as strategies to develop students’ engagement.