Reimagining Literature in the Digital Age: Implications for Pedagogy in Indian Higher Education

Abstract

With the evolution of technology and digital platforms, literature too has evolved. From the oral narratives of yore, it evolved into a written record of creative minds preserved on papyrus, vellum or paper. However, with the advent of science and technology, literature has begun to leave the pages of the physical text. It now exists in audio and visual forms as well, challenging the very popular definitions of literature. The new forms of digital literature, by virtue of being learner-friendly, has a significant impact on pedagogy. Using engaging media like songs, films, and animations; learners can be made better receptors of knowledge by fuelling their intrinsic motivation. This will in turn prove beneficial to their holistic development in general and subject knowledge in particular. Acknowledging this fact, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has suggested the designing of technology-integrated curricula and the same can be seen in the syllabi of the Four Year Under Graduate Programme (FYUGP) of the Indian universities. By factoring in the learners’ preference for learning in the multi-sensory mode, the recent UG curriculum designs have taken a commendable step towards inclusive learning. The current paper is an overview of the evolution of literature from paper to online platforms and the latter versions’ impact on learner-centred pedagogy; especially in the Indian higher education scenario.