Exploring the Impact of Online Classes on Students’ Performance during Covid-19: Voices from Pakistan

Abstract

Technology has emerged as an accelerative tool for online teaching and learning during covid-19 pandemic. This growing rate of covid-19 cases resulted in a swift change in countries to adopt escalated preventive measures for working and studying through online platforms. In this study, the authors aim to investigate the impact of online classes on students’ learning performance and to explore what problems prevent effective education in Pakistan. An exploratory research design was employed and data was collected through questionnaire—administered online, the purposive sampling has been used among 60 participants studying in the third year of bachelor studies. The participants were selected seemingly due to their broader knowledge in the discipline as compare to beginners i.e. first year students, who may lack possible computer skills. Moreover, literature review presented in this research studies is relevant to online learning during covid-19. The theoretical framework for this research was based on facilitative learning proposed from Carl Roger’s person-centered approach. The findings revealed that sudden shift to new format affected students’ performance negatively. This study outcome benefits the online learners and higher education institutes to be prepared and to become more aware of the prospective challenges.