Impact Of Online Education On Learning Of Undergraduate Students During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 crisis has prompted a significant transformation in the global educational system by introducing online education as a potent tool for teaching and learning during adverse conditions such as a pandemic. A study was conducted on undergraduate students to assess the impact of online education on their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study aimed to discern the effects of online learning on various groups of undergraduate students, including male versus female students, arts versus science stream students, vocational versus non-vocational course students, and students from rural and urban areas. The study's outcomes would aid education planners in comprehending and making necessary adjustments suitable for both teachers and students. The study involved 120 undergraduate students from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The descriptive survey method was employed, and data were collected using a Google form designed with a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in undergraduate learning between students in science versus arts streams, male versus female students, or students from rural versus urban areas. However, a significant difference was observed in the learning outcomes of vocational versus non-vocational course students. The findings revealed that online education failed to provide complete satisfaction to both students and teachers due to issues such as technological barriers, a lack of teachers trained for online teaching, and the unavailability of customized, quality teaching materials. This study can serve as a fundamental guideline for specialists, teachers, and policymakers in formulating curricula and policies related to online education, online teaching, and the utilization of online platforms. It is recommended that online curricula be planned and revised to be systematic, analytical, logical, explorative, and practical, enabling students to adapt to new methodologies and techniques as required, whether in a pandemic or under any other circumstances. This approach can empower traditional education through online education.