Effects of Internet Blockade on Students (With special reference to Kashmir post August 5, 2019) A Project Proposal/Synopsis For the consideration of Masters In Anthropology (MAAN) (MANI-003) BY ‘Student’s Name: Irfan Ali Banka Enrolment No: 186610389 Regional Center: SRINAGAR 30 Study Center: GOVT. DEGREE COLLEGE (BOYS) 1236 Under the Supervision of Dr. K. Anil Kumar Assistant Professor Discipline of Anthropology, SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi Submitted to \O)'Ezr ‘THE PEOPLE'S, | UNIVERSITY School of Social Sciences (SOSS) Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India 1Introduction... Table of contents Review of Literature, Objectives of research. Proposed Research Methodology... Selection of Study area, Significance of the study. Tentative Chapeterization References... Annexures i ii. iii, iv. Interview Schedule Appendix-I Proforma for Approval of Project Proposal (MAAN: MANI 003) Appendix-I Consent Letter of Supervisor Annexure-II Proforma of Mentor’s Bio-data 10-11Kashmir has been a source of tension for decades. India and Pakistan have fought four wars over the region and India accuses Pakistan of fomenting secessionism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the part administered by India. After unilaterally ending the state’s special status which included limited autonomy, the Indian government has split the region into three administrative territories, Jammu (which has a Hindu majority), Kashmir (predominantly Muslim) and Ladakh (where Buddhists and Shia Muslims are in the majority). On the 5° of August 2018, two Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha to revoke the special status of J&K under Article 370 and bi-furcate the State into two union territories which lead to the communication blockade in the whole Jammu and Kashmir that continued . ‘The communication blockade in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has affected students especially research scholars immensely. Internet and mobile connections were suspended in the Valley after August 5, when two Bills revoking the special siatus of J&K under Article 370 and bifurcating the State into two Union Territories, were introduced in the Rajya Sabha. While analysing the education sector in Kashmir valley by examining its history and development, if compared with the present scenario, education seems disturbed due to the internet blockade. The effect of disturbing situations and insurgency in the state has an adverse attack upon the citizen building institutions like the education sector. Insurgency from past years has now brought the education sector at stake and risk. As we say a collection of little water droplets make a large body of water with time, in the same way, mini-strokes ‘on particular material or phenomenon develop a capacity to break it one day or it can change its form. The same is the case with the education authority and its system in Kashmir which seems broken due to the jerks of insurgency. from time to time. Now the condition has got worsened in such a way that instead of developing the valuable products from the institutions, it lacks the capacity to develop innovative thinking among the students which results in the development of anti-social thoughts, psychological stress and zeal for students towards other issues rather than education.This study is oriented to study the effect of the internet blockade on the students as viewed through their perspective and recommend the measures as suggested by them through this study for end use by the government, policy makers and researchers. 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE In recent decades, research evidence has shown that the advances in information technology and the development of computers have affected student approaches to research and learning in the contemporary higher educational settings. Studies have shown that technology is one of the key modifiers of human behaviour (Gan & Li, 2018) Greitemeyer & Osswald, 2011), and this has now become a norm for social interactions (McLeod, 2008). There is vast research how internet played its role in modern era but there is very less or negligible research on the students and researchers who manage their learning process and research work in the absence of internet. It is very hard to find the relevant literature on the internet or communication blockade in this regard I reviewed the following papers. (Apuke & lyendo, 2018) in their “University students’ usage of the internet resources for research and learning: forms of access and perceptions of utility”, they described elaborately about the usage of internet for students and researchers. Mixed methods both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data collection using 250 undergraduate students in three selected universities within North-Eastem Nigeria. The findings of the study explain how students view the usage of the internet for their academic research and learning. It also generated useful data to build more understanding and insight into the use of the internet among students. (Goralska, 2020) in his study explains about digital Ethnography in Pandemic times. He discusses and reflects what digital Ethnography can offer to researchers across the world, providing critical insight into the method and offering advice to beginners in the field. The researcher also introduces the phrase ‘anthropology from home’ to talk about research in the pandemic times which is, geographically restricted but digitally enabled. He studied the networked knowledge production about health across digital platforms that operate in the 4Polish Janguage and transnational and Trans lingual links that are brought in to my fieldwork by the Polish diaspora in Germany, France and English-speaking countries. He used participant observation for his study. The study would help me to inculcate the ideas for my study/research during the pandemics. (Archibald, Ambagtsheer, Casey, & Lawless, 2019) in their study entitled Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection: Perceptions and Experiences of Researchers and Participants, interviewed 16 practice nurses who participated in online qualitative interviews about their experiences of using Zoom and concurrently recorded researcher observations. They concluded that several participants experienced technical difficulties; most described their interview experience as highly satisfactory and generally rated Zoom above alternative interviewing mediums such as face-to-face, telephone, and other videoconferencing services, platforms, and products. Their findings suggest the viability of Zoom as a tool for the collection of qualitative data because of its relative ease of use, cost-effectiveness, data management features, and security options. Further research exploring the utility of Zoom is recommended in order to critically assess and advance innovations in online methods. The limitation of their research was that their research was conducted with a relatively small sample of female practice nurses with a high level of education and professional experience and lacked a pre-interview assessment of participants” perceptions of Zoom. Given this, the author was unable to conclude whether participants” level of comfort and self-perceptions of their ability to use the technology either significantly increased or decreased after using Zoom. The research justifies my proposed methodology for carrying out the qualitative research among affected students during internet blockade even in the pandemic zones. Since the research is being conducted among the educated citizen like researchers and students, so the digital method of interviewing through zoom is definitely going to save time and cost and also limit the hindrances during interviewing in physical mode. 3. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH Intentions for carrying out this study are: c1. To find out the percentage of students and researchers affected because of the communication and internet blockade in Kashmir and investigate the losses and effects thereof, 2, To study the measures taken by the government for providing an alternate system of communication to these researchers since August Sth 2019 in Kashmir and examine their effects thereof, 3. To suggest measures and policies for minimizing the losses of the students because of internet blockade in Kashmir based on their “Emic perspective” 4. PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY In an attempt to answer the research questions raised in this study, a mixed-method approach will be used. The researcher will visit the universities in Kashmir and build rapport among researchers in different departments. After building rapport, a quantitative survey consisting of the use of questionnaires will be administered among 100 students randomly selected from university of Kashmir, Central University and Islamic University, to ascertain the effect of the internet blockade on their academic research and learning. The universities are selected purposively based on the reason that majority of students admitted in these universities are from Kashmir. Informed consent from all participants will be obtained prior to the distribution of questionnaires. Furthermore, to understand the students’ emic perspective towards the influence of accessing and utilizing electronic resources for academic learning and research productivity, detailed effects of internet blockade will be studied through qualitative method of interviewing using telephonic communication and one on one face to face interaction via Zoom application. For this the Zoom license of Innovative-Minds Educational and Welfare Society (An NGO) shall be used to avoid any undue hindrances in consented recording, accessing and other features of the zoom application. Study entitled “Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection: Perceptions and Experiences of Researchers and Participants”, conducted by (Archibald, Ambagtsheer, Casey, & Lawless, 2019), justifies the methodology in terms of time, interaction, ease and other features.In the quantitative part of the study to be conducted in the fieldwork at universities, questionnaires will be randomly administered to the students in their institutions, which will comprise both closed and open-ended questions, which will be applied to understand the respondents’ opinions’ views. The data generated from the survey (ie. administered questionnaire) will be analysed using the SPSS or Microsoft Excel statistical software using frequency counts and simple percentages that shall be presented in tables and graphs. For qualitative research, I will use the zoom app and telephone conversation. I will select 20 research scholars randomly using Random Number Table (RNT) out of those researchers who already participated in the quantitative research, to participate in in-depth interviews to be held virtually through zoom or telephonic interviews. Qualitative follow-up, in-depth life history interviews will be conducted over the telephone with these research scholars, and the interview schedule annexed to this synopsis shall be used. All interviews will be audio- and video recorded after due consent by the respondents. In addition to digital ethnography via zoom application, the telephonic interview method will be used to have in-depth interview with the scholars who will not be able to connect via the Zoom application in one or another way. Prior to initiating telephone calls, several efforts will be made to facilitate case of communication with prospective interviewees. In this process, I will try to establish good rapport building, minimize interviewer biases, etc. The advantages of telephone interviews, including enhanced access to geographically dispersed interviewees is reduced costs, increased interviewer safety and greater flexibility for scheduling (Drabble L. A., Trocki, Salcedo, Walker, & Korcha, 2016). Qualitative data analysis would be done by appropriate method. The entire data would be first coded and then placed in various thematic categories. Sr SELECTION OF STUDY AREA ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a wide range of changes in our dail lives; changes which have been shaped by the attempts of the governments of countries around the world to limit physical interaction and reduce contagion. For my study, I will select the students and research scholars from 3 universities in Kashmir division of Jammu and Kashmir. This includes the University of Kashmir, Central University and Islamic University. It will not be easy to study the entire population due to time and 7financial constraints and the COVID-19 SOPs, so a part of the population will be selected to represent the entire population, Therefore, to select the institutions used in this study, I simply will concentrate on the university that will be reachable and accessible for me in the COVID situation where I can reach the maximum number of students. So, the University of Kashmir, Central University and Islamic University will be my study area. 6. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY The fundamental reason for this project proposal is that people have got severely affected because of the communication and internet blockade in Jammu and Kashmir. Especially the student and research scholars have been affected which led to psychological distress among many students. The study is important because there has been no anthropological study on the impact of internet blockade on students and researchers and the existing literature that I could find on the internet while doing literature review lags anthropological perspectives in it The problem of Internet Blockade and communication suspension was justified by the Government from time to time in response to the pressure developed by the world community. But the voice of the students who have been affected very badly remained unheard because of no connection with the outside valley, no internet service and the threat of detention by the government. Students and research scholars who are dependent upon the research facilities obtained through the internet were mentally stressed. These student and research scholars shift to other states with this, which further leads to migration of these students which need to be studied from an anthropological perspective. The students from rich families could easily afford the expenses for residing outside Kashmir but the students belonging to poor families were struggling leading to a class difference. To know the Emic perspective related to this class difference anthropological study is needed The research will be useful for the academicians, anthropologists, international community and government to assess the losses to the students and researcher's post-Aug. 5, 2019, when the shutdown of services began in valley and it will help in the formulation of suitable schemes and policies for the benefit of students in Jammu and Kashmir as the regional internet blockade is obvious in the Kashmir valley being a conflict-prone area, 7. TENTATIVE CHAPETERIZATION‘The tentative chapterization will include the following:- Title of Project ‘Table of contents List of tables Acknowledgement Introduction and Concept Clarification First chapter, Introduction, in light of the review of available literature will discuss about the need, scope, background, objectives, methodology, justification and limitations of the study. It will also present the organization of the data into several chapters Profile of study Tn the second chapter, an attempt will be made to picturise the full-fledged profiles of the study. Abrogation of Article 370 and Internet Blockade in Jammu and Kashmir Third chapter will discuss the Article 370, its Amendment History, A month before August 5, 2019, Abrogation of Article 370, and Internet Blockade. Effect of Internet Blockade Fourth chapter will include the intemet and its importance, Intemet for students and researchers, Effect of internet blockade on students and researchers. Emie perspective of students and researchers Fifth chapter will include the Emic perspective of students and researchers related to intemet blockade in Jammu and Kashmir. Discussion and conclusion The final chapter will include The rise of Extreme Mobility, suggestions and Limitations of the study. Reference and Bibliography List of PlatesReferences and Bibliography Adogbeji, O. B., & Akporhonor, B. A. (2005, December 1). The Impact of ICT (Internet) on Research and Studies: The’ Experience of Delta State University Students in Abraka, Nigeria. Library Hi Tech News, 22(10), 17-21 Apuke, O. D., & Iyendo, T. ©. (2018). University students” usage of the internet resources for research and learning: forms of access and perceptions of utility. Heliyon, 4(12); Archibald, M. M., Ambagtsheer, R. C., Casey, M. G., & Lawless, M. (2019), Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection: Perceptions and Experiences of Researchers and Participants. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18, 1-8. DIT & SS (SSS), IUST. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: http://www.islamicuniversity.edu.in/ Dogruer, N., Eyyam, R., & Menevis, . (2011). The use of the internet for educational purposes. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 28, 606-611. Drabble, L., Trocki, K. F., Salcedo, B., Walker, P. C., & Korcha, R. A. (2016, January). Conducting qualitative interviews by telephone: Lessons learned from a study of alcohol use among sexual minority and heterosexual women, Qualitative Social Work, 15(1), 118-133. Gan, C., & Li, H. (2018, January ), Understanding the effects of gratifications on the continuance intention to use WeChat in China: A perspective on uses and gratifications. Computers in Human Behavior, 78, 306-315 Goralska, M. (2020). Anthropology from Home Advice on Digital Ethnography for the Pandemic Times. Anthropology in Action, 27(1), 46-52. Greitemeyer, T., & Osswald, S, (2011). Playing Prosocial Video Games Increases the Accessibility of Prosocial Thoughts. The Journal of Social Psychology, 151(2), 121- 128, Holstein, J. A., & Gubrium, J. F. (2003). Inside interviewing: New lenses, new concerns. In J. A. Holstein, J. F. Gubrium, J. A. Holstein, & J. F. Gubrium (Eds.), Inside interviewing: New lenses, new concerns (pp. 3-30). Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications. 10Holt, A. (2010, February 15). Using the telephone for narrative interviewing: a research note. Qualitative Research, 10(1), 113-121. Invine, A., Drew, P., & Sainsbury, R. (2013, February 1). ‘Am I not answering your questions properly?’ Clarification, adequacy and responsiveness in semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews. Qualitative Research, 13(1), 87-106, Khandelwal, B. (2019, August 16). Article 370 And 35(A) Scrapped: What Changed In. Jammu And Kashmir? THE HEADLINES OF TODAY. Sapkota, P. P. (2020, December 29). An Anthropological Study of COVID-19: Effects on Socio-cultural Life of the People. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 14, Vindrola-Padros, C., Chisnall, G., Silvie, S., Dowrick, A., Djellouli, N., Symmons, S.M., et al, (2020), Carrying Out Rapid Qualitative Research During a Pandemic: Emerging Lessons From COVID-19, Qualitative Health Research, 1-13 aInterview Schedule General Information: 1. Name of University: 2. Name of the Department: 3+ Name of the informant: 4- Are you a Researcher or Student: 5+ Qualification : 6 Gender: 7 Age: & Present address: Use of internet before/after communication and internet blockade:- 1. Are you using the internet? 2+ Which device are you using for the internet and which device for communic: 3+ How much time you are spending on the internet? 4- For what purpose are you using the internet? 5- How much time did you spend on the internet for education? 6- For how much time you use the internet for entertainment? 7- What is the impact of continuous use of the internet on your health? 8- Do you feel the internet has become a necessity? '9- How did you imagine life without the internet and other communication facilities? Communication and internet blockade:- 1- When did internet and communication blockade started in Jammu and Kashmir? 2+ For how long it continued? 3- When was telephonic communication restored? 4 When was 2g and 4g internet restored? 5- Why were the internet and communication blocked in the state? 6- Are you affected by internet blockage? 7- Is your study/research affected by the internet blockade? 8- How did you fulfill your needs in internet and communication blockade? 9- Ifyou are a researcher, what alternate source you are using for reviewing literature during internet and communication blockade? 10- How did internet blockade affect your research/study?111- Were you in contact with your professors/guide during the internet and communication blockade? :12- How you were communicating to your professor(s)/ guide? 13- Who are the most affected class by blockade in your views? 14- Where were you during the period of the blockade, at home or at university outside state? Measures that taken by Government:- 1+ What government did, for researchers and scholars during the internet blockade? 2- Were there any measures taken by the government for them? 3+ Ifyes then what are those measures? 4- Had the government provided any separaté internet facility in universities for researchers and students? 5- Was there any alternate system of communication that the government provided to students/researchers? 6 What you will recommend/suggest to the government to do for researchers/students in such situations? 7- Do you think those suggestions will work out? Loss of students:- 1 How internet blockade has affected your social life? 2- Has this blockade affected your mental health? 3+ Do you feel that you have lost that whole time? 4- What are the measures and policies according to you that students/researchers should take during blockade? 5- How are you dealing with such circumstances? 6 According to you how students/researchers should manage during such blockade as regional blockades continue in the valley? 7- How according to you should be the policies and measures of government in such circumstances? 8 What are your views related to blockade? 9+ How you are going to curb such a situation in future? 10- Are there any alternate according to you to tackle such a situation? 11- What are your suggestions to rest students/researchers?Project Work Appendix-1 Proforma for Approval of Project Proposal (MAAN: MANI 003) Enrollment Number: 0.0.4 PEGL. Programme Code: MAAN Course Code: MANI Title ofthe Projecu/ Work: Ebfeade : tw. Givake. Cdl (Note: Enclose the Project Synopsis) Name and Address of the Mentor .... X27. isor an Academic Counsellor of MAAN Programme of IGNOU? Yes/No IF Yes, Name and Code of the Study Centre s/he is attached with: No. of Students Currently Working under the Supervisor for MAAN Note: A Mentor can guide a maximum of 5 candidates Per Session. ‘Academic Qualifications oighe Mentor ..£2:.D Aullacapclery Number of Years of Relevant Experience: Note: Enclose the Bio-data of the Mentor as given in the Appent ete noe Date: 2Ht0/r0>4 Date:‘Appendix-I Project Work Consent Letter of Supervisor ‘This is to certify that the Project Boece titled Reeds wth, Litesnct Blockade. ow... Studente....... Cdk... peste (Signature) ‘ Nemeid thasipetyiecs Me Dil Kumar Date:“Project Work, Proforma for Mentor’s Bio-data Name ofthe Mentor ..al)2¢ Educational Qualifications: .. Are you an Academic Counselor of IGNOU? Yes .. NO... If yes, specify the Code, Name and Address of the Study Center: Code of Study Center: Name of Study Center: Address of Study Center: List of Courses being taught No, of MAAN Students under Supervision Presently:. Note: A Mentor can guide a maximum of 5 candidates Per Session. Date: Signature with Seal: f