CHALLENGES IN ENHANCING LEARNING CAPABILITIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH ONLINE EDUCATION IN TRIBAL AREAS

Abstract

The rapid shift to online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing educational challenges, particularly in tribal and rural regions. Primary school students in these areas face unique barriers that hinder the development of their fundamental learning capabilities. This research explores the challenges encountered by students in tribal areas in accessing and engaging with online education, focusing on the difficulties in developing core academic skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy. The study uses secondary data from government reports, educational surveys, and case studies to examine how factors like technological barriers, socioeconomic conditions, lack of infrastructure, and cultural aspects affect the learning process.

Technological challenges, such as limited access to devices, unreliable internet connectivity, and low digital literacy, are prevalent in tribal communities, further marginalizing these students in terms of educational equity. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, illiteracy among parents, and limited resources contribute to the digital divide, hindering students' access to quality online learning. Additionally, the lack of teacher training for online education and the absence of localized content in tribal languages exacerbate the situation, making it even more difficult for students to benefit from remote learning platforms.