Anatomy of Select e-Platforms: Meso and Micro Dynamics

There has been a growing dominance of e-platforms in the online learning spaces and their entry into the formal system is observed to be transformative for the institutions, the stakeholders, and the very purpose of education. The pedagogical transformation has led to the redefining of classrooms and the increase in demand for the courses has not only changed the notion of teaching–learning but has also changed the role of teachers and students. In light of the changes mooted, the present paper aims to understand the nature of product innovation made by select e-platforms. Through an analysis of websites, articles, policy documents, and first-hand information on select e-platforms by enrolling in some of the courses, the study aims to answer the questions raised in the study. A privatized-tech Coursera and a public initiative SWAYAM are undertaken for the analysis. The study seeks to recognize the strategies adopted by the two e-platforms. The strategic elements adopted by SWAYAM and Coursera are undertaken to gain insight into the within-platform activities. Through an in-depth analysis of the different elements of the strategy adopted by the two e-platforms, the study details a comprehensive understanding of the meso-level activities undertaken by them. It also depicts the changes observed at the micro-level in terms of the impact on the teaching–learning processes.