Perceptions and Experiences about Covid-19-induced Online Education: A Study about Primary School Students in Pakistan

  • Muhammad Abid Malik Assistant Professor, Beaconhouse National University, Pakistan.
  • Zainab Mehboob Beaconhouse National University, Pakistan.
  • Sobia Chohan Beaconhouse National University, Pakistan.
Keywords: Blended Learning, Covid-19, Online Education, Pakistan, Primary Education.

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of the elite class, private sector primary school students in Pakistan about online education during Covid-19, its benefits and challenges, and the quality of education during the pandemic. It further explores if the students want online education to continue after Covid-19 or not. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from eight students. The students mostly used Google Classroom and Google Meet. Internet connectivity, electricity, the difficulty in operating different software and platforms, and the lack of socialization were mentioned as some of the biggest challenges during online education; while the opportunity to learn different software and platforms, flexibility, and staying at home were mentioned as some of its benefits. The students had mixed opinions about online classes and the quality of education during Covid-19. As compared to other studies about school students in Pakistan, these students felt more comfortable with online education; however, they did not want purely online education to continue after Covid-19. Despite multiple challenges, online education brings numerous benefits. The study suggests that to overcome infrastructural and internet-related issues, the blended mode should be adopted as it can maximize the benefits of the two modes, and overcome some of their challenges.

Published
2023-02-28
How to Cite
Muhammad Abid Malik, Zainab Mehboob, & Sobia Chohan. (2023). Perceptions and Experiences about Covid-19-induced Online Education: A Study about Primary School Students in Pakistan. Research Journal of Social Sciences and Economics Review, 4(1), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.36902/rjsser-vol4-iss1-2023(82-90)