A cross-sectional study of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Student perceptions

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 caused an unprecedented pandemic for more than 2 years, affecting the lifestyle health, and education systems at the global level. During this long pandemic period, online learning was considered the only secure learning alternative. Multiple studies have demonstrated positive or negative perceptions related to online teaching.

Aim: Through this study, we identified the perceptions and different challenges that online learning brought to the education of the students of Alexander Xhuvani University, Elbasan, focusing on their achievements.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted by Alexander Xhuvani University from March to May 2021. A questionnaire that assessed students' perceptions related to the effectiveness of distance learning was used for this study. This questionnaire had a Cronbach α value of 0.760. Students from two faculties were welcomed to be part of this survey and to fill out the questionnaire on the Google platform. The data of the online questionnaire was made in Excel format and then analyzed using the statistical program SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Overall, 350 students were included in the study about 268 (76.6%) belong to the female gender, and most students 239 (68.3%) belong to the age group of 18-20 years. It is worth mentioning that 271 (77.4%) had a negative perception related to e-learning. Approximately, 201 (57.4%) of students encountered difficulties with the internet, 49 (14%) of cases reported a lack of technological equipment, and 111 (31.7%) encountered distraction while using the phone to listen to the online lesson. Problems with visual images and audio were also reported. As advantages, we mention freer time and greater flexibility in the learning process. Changes in health and management of online learning were observed in 123 (35.1%) of students, where loss of time and lack of concentration to learn, sleep problems, stress, anxiety, and fear were encountered the most.

Conclusions: This is the first study in university education to assess students' perceptions and results achieved by online learning during our country's pandemic. Our study's findings show that 271 (77.4%) of participants have a negative perception of online learning. The most common challenges among students were Internet speed, a lack of technological equipment, and Internet disconnection. In terms of expectation fulfillment during online learning and assessment results, 245 (70%) of students' expectations were unsatisfied and unmet. These findings will address the gaps in the literature and may influence future online learning design in our country.

Keywords: difficulties; health problems; negative perceptions; online learning; students.

Figure 1

Flowchart for students' participation in the study.