Post-COVID Scenario and E-Learning: Fate of Student Academia at Tertiary Level

Abstract

The post-COVID-19 scenario has presented significant learning challenges for university students worldwide. The swift shift from face-to-face to online classes posed greater difficulties because students were not mentally, financially, or physically prepared for this change, nor were they provided with adequate training to operate the learning management system (LMS). Online learning necessitates a school-like environment at home, which is challenging for students to replicate. This study aimed to determine the effect of online learning on students’ academic achievement and to explore the challenges they faced in adapting to this new mode of learning. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering primary data from 230 respondents in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad. This was done using a validated closed-ended questionnaire featuring a five-point Likert scale. The collected data underwent analysis via the Friedman test using SPSS 20v. The results revealed that online learning negatively impacted students’ academic achievement due to factors such as lack of internet accessibility, decreased motivation towards academics, low satisfaction levels, and difficulties in understanding academic concepts, particularly in the natural sciences. The study recommends a focus on implementing new teaching methods such as reciprocal teaching, digitalizing classrooms, offering remedial classes, and enhancing student motivation through teacher engagement.

Citation

Ullah, O., Tehseen, S., Sultan, K., Haider, S.A. and Gul, A. (2024), "Post-COVID Scenario and E-Learning: Fate of Student Academia at Tertiary Level", Hack-Polay, D., Lock, D., Caputo, A., Lokhande, M. and Salunkhe, U. (Ed.) Global Higher Education Practices in Times of Crisis: Questions for Sustainability and Digitalization, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-052-020241015