05 Dec Effectiveness of Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Effectiveness of Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Online learning, also called e-learning, is a method of academic learning through electronic technologies and the internet to gain access to the educational curriculum away from the traditional classroom environment (Shalev-Shwartz, S. 2011). Shalev, in his study, also uses other terms such as distance learning, e-learning to describe online learning. Online has two main components that enable it to be performed outside the classroom; one uses a computer and the internet. Online learning has gained popularity in the recent past due to its flexibility in learning (Tanis C, 2020). The concept of flexibility in online learning is preferred by many students, especially those engaging in other activities, such as jobs. It gives them flexibility and the need to attend to all their commitments. According to Tanis C, online-learning has increasingly been adopted as a way of offering training by corporations.

Despite its advantage, the growth and advancement in technology have contributed greatly to its popularity (Siemens, G et al. 2015). According to a review in online learning conducted by Siemen, improvement in technology, growth in network and internet penetration, increased computer literacy, among other factors, have contributed to the growth of online learning. Online learning, however, is not embraced by many institutions. Scholars argue that it eliminates the importance of both student’s and teachers’ physical presence, which affects the social development of students (Kenney, M. 2010). This claim might be true, but it may not be used solely to rule out the importance of online learning. In early 2020, during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many institutions all over the world tried to put in place measures to ensure continuity of education, despite lockdowns and other containment measures put in place by the government. The process of shifting from the traditional method of teaching to online learning is not easy. The process of shifting from traditional teaching styles to an online environment has not been easy since many students have been locked out of accessing the learning process. This research will investigate the effectiveness of online learning, which has been necessitated by the Covid 19 pandemic outbreak.

Problem Statement

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, many institutions have tried to shift their learning process from traditional classroom environments to online learning. However, the process of changing the learning environment is faced with many challenges, which include inaccessibility of internet in some areas, poor network coverage, and inadequate resources for both schools and learners to fully meet the requirements of online learning. These challenges have affected the potential effectiveness of the learning process. This study is conducted with the primary purpose of reviewing the level of effectiveness of online learning during this pandemic period. The research is necessary for it intends to point out areas of weaknesses and the gaps of online learning; later, it will recommend some of the appropriate measures that can be put in place to improve the effectiveness of online learning.

Purpose of the Study

This study’s main goal is to assess the level of effectiveness of online learning during the pandemic period. It will also focus on the gaps in online learning, which was accustomed to the onset of the pandemic. By conducting this study, I will be able to know how well online learning is as far as delivering the content to students is concerned. The study will also identify areas of weaknesses in online learning. With that knowledge, the stakeholders can formulate proper recommendations to ensure that online learning meets its objectives. The study’s outcome will also point out regions or groups of people that might be disadvantaged if online learning is fully rolled out in all learning institutions. This information will also help formulate policies that will ensure inclusivity in the online learning process.

Research Questions

This study will seek to address various questions related to the quality of online learning during the pandemic period. Among those questions include;

i. What was the status of online learning before the Covid-19 pandemic?

ii. What are the accessibility issues related to online learning?

iii. What are the challenges associated with online learning?

iv. How can the challenges be dealt with to improve the efficiency of online learning?

Research Hypothesis

This study will seek to test the following;

i. Online learning is not accessibl