Transformative Role of Adoption of e-Learning in Promotion and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge systems are traditional forms of wisdom, practices, and cultural beliefs that have developed over centuries through sustained interactions between Indigenous peoples and their environment. Indigenous knowledge is valuable not only to the communities that possess it but also to the wider world, as it offers alternative perspectives and solutions to contemporary challenges. The lack of recognition of and respect for Indigenous wisdom has led to the marginalisation and erasure of its contributions. Therefore, it is crucial to promote and preserve Indigenous knowledge, and e-learning can be a powerful tool for bridging Indigenous knowledge and modern education by ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all. The objective of the present study is to examine the transformative role of e-learning adoption in the promotion and preservation of Indigenous knowledge. For this purpose, a quantitative research method was used, and data were collected from university students at the Birla Campus, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Uttarakhand, India. Using survey data from university students of H.N.B.G.U., the authors applied descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to assess the influence of e-learning adoption on the promotion and preservation of Indigenous knowledge. To measure university students' adoption of e-learning and perceptions of Indigenous knowledge, tools developed by the authors were used. The findings show a positive correlation between e-learning adoption and students' perceptions of Indigenous knowledge, highlighting that e-learning can stimulate the integration of traditional knowledge into mainstream education and promote awareness of and respect for traditional knowledge systems. By adopting e-learning, digital learning frameworks can bridge the gap between Indigenous wisdom and contemporary advancements.