Issues and Ideas in Education - Vol. 13 - No. 2 - Awareness and Usage of Digital Resources: A Study among the Research Scholars in the State University of Uttarakhand

Oct 15, 2026

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Knowledge of digital technology is essential for students involved in research, making digital literacy a key competency. This study assessed awareness and usage of digital resources among research scholars enrolled in the PhD programme at SSJ University, Almora, Uttarakhand. A descriptive survey used a sample of 48 scholars and a self-constructed Digital Awareness and Usage Questionnaire. Findings show generally equal awareness across demographics, but usage varies by family income, gender, and locality, with an awareness-usage gap.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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ARTICLE INFORMATION

ABSTRACT

Keywords

1. Introduction

1.1. Digital Literacy

1.2. Review of Related Literature

Vol. 13, No. 2 (2025), pp.1–9 | | |
Issues and Ideas in Education

Vol. 13 | No. 2 | Dec. 2025 | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Awareness and Usage of Digital Resources: A Study among the Research Scholars in the State University of Uttarakhand
Rajendra Singh Khati1 , Mamta Aswal1* and Bhaskar Chaudhary1
1Department of Education, S.S.J. University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand, India.
*[mamtaaswal.edu@gmail.com](mamtaaswal.edu@gmail.com) (Corresponding Author) | | | | | | RESEARCH ARTICLE | | | Open Access | | | ARTICLE INFORMATION | | | ABSTRACT
Background: Knowledge of digital technology is crucial for everyone in today’s world, as it is leaving an indelible mark on education day by day. Therefore, digital literacy becomes essential for students engaged in research. In light of the impact of technology, the researcher conducted a study to assess the awareness and use of digital resources among the research scholars at SSJ University, Almora, in the hill state of Uttarakhand.
Purpose: The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness and usage of digital resources among the research scholars enrolled in the PhD programme.
Methods: A descriptive survey was employed, given the nature of the study. A sample of 48 research scholars from the social science and science faculties was selected using random sampling, and data were collected using a self-constructed tool, viz., the Digital Awareness and Usage Questionnaire.
Results: After data analysis, it was found that most research scholars have equal awareness of digital resources across specific demographic variables. Some differences were found in the use of digital resources based on family income, gender, and locality. Female and science scholars are integrating digital resources more than their male counterparts. Twenty percent of science scholars fall into the ‘high usage’ category, whereas none of the humanities scholars are represented in this category. Additionally, the low-income group shows 0% representation in the ‘Very High’ usage category. A gap was also observed between awareness and usage: 33% of respondents reported very high awareness, while only 4% reported very high usage. Research scholars are aware of digital resources, but most of them do not use them to the extent of their awareness.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that HEIs should adopt innovative research approaches, strengthen technological infrastructure, integrate digital technology functionally through training workshops for capacity building, and implement policy interventions that focus on digital proficiency and promote digital transmission | | | Received: September 26, 2025
Accepted: January 31, 2026
Published Online: February 16, 2026 | | | | | | Keywords:
Digital resources, Research Scholars, Digital technology, Higher Education | | | | | | DOI: 10. 15415/iie.2025.132001 | | | | | | 1. Introduction
Digitalization is the process of converting information, data, or processes into a digital format. It involves using digital technologies to transform manual processes into automated, electronically stored, and processed ones. It refers to the widespread adoption of digital technology across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance. It has significantly transformed communication, work, and daily life, leading to what is now known as the digital revolution. Advances in high-speed internet, modern computers, and artificial intelligence have driven this transformation (Vala, 2023). | | | | The Digital India Program, launched on July 1, 2015, aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It offers several digital services, including DigiLocker, [Attendance.gov.in](Attendance.gov.in), [MyGov.in](MyGov.in), the SBM Mobile App, e-Hospital, the National Scholarship Portal, and thee-Sign Framework (Sharma, 2016) .
1.1. Digital Li

FAQs

What was the main purpose of the study?

To assess the level of awareness and usage of digital resources among research scholars enrolled in the PhD programme.

How was the study conducted?

A descriptive survey design was used with a randomly selected sample of 48 research scholars, and data were collected using a self-constructed Digital Awareness and Usage Questionnaire.

What differences were observed in the usage of digital resources?

Usage differed by family income, gender, and locality. Female and science scholars integrated digital resources more than male and humanities scholars.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Noah