ECONOMICALLY DAMAGED BOOK READING HABITS OF THE STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION: AN AFTERMATH OF ONLINE LEARNING DURING COVID-19

Abstract

This qualitative study unfolds the affected book reading habits of two hundred newly admitted University undergrads, having virtual learning during COVID-19 at HSSC level, studying in various arts & humanities and social sciences’ disciplines. The qualitatively data, based on five broad questions followed by Wh questions, has been discussed in detail to draw conclusion for possible implications. The results show that the majority subjects say that virtual learning, though time saving, but has harmed their book reading habits because of the closer of institutions and access to printed sources such as libraries due to Pandemic which ultimately affected their reading habits and writing skills by furthering their perceptions that virtual learning made them more information retrieving learners than knowledge seekers as Internet supported facilities also detracted them from the habit of book reading. Hence, the study concludes with the remarks that for University graduates learning of new knowledge and skills are more significant than information as they assist them in present as well as future academic and professional life.