2025, Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part B

The present study is an effort to look into the impact of COVID-19 on the use awareness of ICT and development of online teaching/learning skills among the prospective teachers. 206 students belonging to 20 universities/colleges from 13 Indian states finally constituted the sample for the study. Data was collected the help of a questionnaire which was provided to them through a Google form. Content analysis of the open ended items was done. The findings reveal that many students who were using simple mobiles before lock downs have now started using smart mobiles and laptops because of online classes and activities. The findings reveal the digital divide between the students doing teacher training. An extreme up-rise was seen in the use of e-gadgets and time spent on mobiles for educational purposes. The students have reported a long list of skills, learnt and experienced during lock down. Asked about the Personal Experiences the students reported problems such as network connectivity, electricity problems and serious health related problems while using smart mobiles for online learning for longer durations. The limitations such as ICT being monotonous, lacks peer interaction, lack of co-curricular activities, problem of proper space at home and costly data packs were reported. The positive aspects being responded by the students included ICT being flexible, gave freedom of space, place and time, suitable during crisis, access and search of information quickly.