Perceptions of University Students in Bangladesh towards the Challenges and Benefits of Online Classes: A Qualitativ e Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of students regarding the challenges and benefits of online classes based on their online classes’ experiences particularly during pandemic COVID-19. Following the interpretive research paradigm and cross-sectional design, this research is qualitative in nature. Using a semi-structured questionnaire the researchers conducted 30 in-depth interviews of the 23 public and private university students who are attending their classes virtually during the pandemic. The collected data was analyzed following a content analysis approach to evaluate the relationship among the ideas, the interview data, and the theoretical context. This study finds that in developing countries like Bangladesh, the online class system is a relatively new concept, so the participants face some difficulties such as low internet connection, electricity support, teachers’ capacities, and lack of institutional support as well as their technological engagement. As such participants face challenges that they do not learn as well as they would in regular classes. Moreover, the participants must comprehend the contrasts between traditional and online classrooms in order to improve their competence. However, participants are taking e-learning for extra advantages due to COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce detachment from education and session gap. This study will be helpful to the policy-makers to develop proper rules to cope with such difficult situations, particularly when it comes to delivering communicative education to students particularly in a crisis situation.