E-LEARNING: THE LEARNER’S PERCEPTION (OPPORTUNITIS AND CHALLENGES DURING COVID -19 PANDEMIC)

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted almost every sector of the economy especially service sector and the education sector are no exception. Schools, colleges, and institutes are all close and students are at home with the least contact with teachers and friends. Everything is virtual, with no physical movement. The interference in the education system due to the pandemic is a reminder that there is a need for transformation. Digital transformation is the need of the hour to battle against the twist and turns of undefined future. E-learning and teaching have become inevitable. It is now the new normal. In this context this paper tries to analyze the perception of students on e-learning methods. This research is a qualitative and exploratory research in which primary data is used which is collected through an online survey from 140 students who are undergoing e-learning experience at IBRA College of Technology, Oman. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the responses. Pilot study was conducted to identify the factors that influence effective learning. Statistical tools such as factor analysis and multiple regression was used to draw meaningful conclusion. SPPS and AMOS 21 statistical packages were used to analyze the data. This paper becomes significant because the results of this study will enable the policy makers and educators to understand the perception and expectation of the students and to formulate strategies accordingly. This understanding will help to improve the quality and experience of virtual learning process.