The Role of E-learning and its Impact on higher education: A survey on Rajshahi University students of Bangladesh

Purpose- The main objective of this study is to explore the role of e-learning and its impact on higher education. Given the novelty of the experience, in this study, the researchers aim to investigate university students' perception and satisfaction regarding e-learning. The study also examines the importance of e-learning, identifies the problems faced by students while using e-learning and provides suggestions on how the university authority can improve e-learning more effectively. Methods of the study – Survey method was employed to understand the usage and impact of elearning among the students at the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh. Due to the pandemic situation of 2020, online social platforms were used and the questionnaires were circulated among 110 students from four departments of Social Science Faculty in Rajshahi University conveniently. Findings - The study shows that the overall feeling about elearning is a good and robust predictor of the students' overall satisfaction. The study examines that the majority of the students (51.8%) use e-learning for finding general information, and for accessing e-learning majority of the students (62.7%) always use the smartphone. Wi-Fi is more preferable to the students (47%) for accessing connection of elearning. 58.2% of respondents identified Technical issues as the main problem of e-learning. Limitations - Rajshahi University is the second largest public University in Bangladesh where around 28000 students are studied in the postgraduate program in each year. In order to conduct this study only 110 students are regarded as sample and have come under investigation which remarks as the core limitation of this study. Besides, researchers and teachers play a vital role in this university. But they are not included as sample in this study. Originality/value – The paper contains original work regarding the role of e-learning and its impact on higher education among the students of Rajshahi University of Bangladesh and as such it will be useful for library professionals, administrators, and educators to engdevelop suitable strategies as higher study institutions