ERIC Number: EJ1312091
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0968-4883
EISSN: N/A
Understanding the Challenges of E-Learning during the Global Pandemic Emergency: The Students' Perspective
Abdur Rehman, Mohsin; Soroya, Saira Hanif; Abbas, Zuhair; Mirza, Farhan; Mahmood, Khalid
Quality Assurance in Education: An International Perspective, v29 n2-3 p259-276 2021
Purpose: This study aims to debate and highlight the challenges faced by university students regarding e-learning during the global pandemic emergency. Furthermore, it sketches the solutions of e-learning using a theoretical lens of emergency management theory (EMT). Finally, the study argues a case for improvement in existing e-learning systems to enable higher education systems, particularly in a developing country, to recover the losses and increase education quality. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research design and phenomenology research approach were applied to conduct the current study. A total of 10 in-depth online interviews were recorded from students studying in Pakistan and the UK. Verbatim transcriptions were analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach. Findings: The current study results explained in detail the numerous challenges, including lack of preparedness (students and institutions), low quality of interaction, lack of motivation, lack of class activities and forceful adoption of e-learning. Alternatively, few opportunities also emerged through a set of suggestions such as a comprehensive emergency management plan, introduction of strong student counselling programmes and a strategic plan for quality of online learning content. Originality/value: This study's contribution stands out in crucial times of the global pandemic. EMT is applied to understand the different dimensions of preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery from a students' perspective. Furthermore, considering students as important members of higher education institutions and understanding students' opinions regarding quality assurance during the global pandemic was imperative.
Descriptors: Barriers, Electronic Learning, Emergency Programs, COVID-19, Pandemics, Student Experience, Graduate Students, Educational Quality, Access to Computers, Disadvantaged, Context Effect, Developing Nations, Developed Nations, Foreign Countries
Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pakistan; United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A