The COVID-19 pandemic has made online learning inevitable for the majority of educational institutions around the world. Many schools, colleges, and universities have embraced digital learning, making it an obvious option to the students. Earlier, offline schooling was the feasible option. However, the pandemic has opened new doors for online education to all students. This article will talk about the students’ perception towards online learning and online classes.
There were a couple of studies conducted on students’ perception towards E-learning. The study’s findings revealed some interesting facts, which we will be discussing in today’s article. The key highlights of the survey included are as mentioned below:
Increased Stress and Anxiety Levels in Children
While the home is the most comfortable and best place to study, it was not as we presume. Virtual learning did change the learning environment. Additionally, it makes students prone to anxiety and increases levels of stress. Reports found that the strict COVID norms to stay home made the students encounter mental disorders and even depression. This way, online learning proved to be stressful to many students and largely influenced them.
Decreased Productivity in Students
Studying from home or online learning has contributed to decreased productivity in students. The primary reason for it is procrastination. Offline schooling allowed students to be attentive in the classes, listening to the lectures. Contrary to it, online schooling has made them lazy. The students found it challenging to focus on the screen without allowing any room for deviations.
No Socializing and Interaction
The worst impact of online learning during the pandemic is the missing of socializing and interaction. Offline learning enabled students to meet their classmates, study with them, interact with them, and participate in other extra-curricular activities like sports, dance, etc. Online learning has put a hold on social interaction for everyone, including students, making students feel isolated. The no opportunities for communication had a significant impact on the children, compelling them to go back to physical classes.
Easy Access To Study Materials
Students expressed their contentment towards the accessibility to study materials and the better usage of technology. Some online classes were very interactive with presentations, assignments, etc. They made students explore knowledge beyond the textbooks and enhance their learning process. Although students prefer offline schooling, it is an undeniable fact that online classes have exposed them to innovative learning.
Technological Challenges
Most students found online learning more challenging than traditional classrooms because of technological constraints like network issues. Not everybody had access to smartphones and internet connections. Those who did had connectivity issues.
Final Thoughts
Online learning did have some benefits to the students. However, it still remains to be a temporary solution for the time being. Considering the outcomes like increased stress and anxiety levels, social isolation, and procrastination among students, they may prefer getting back to the regular classes as soon as possible.
