A Descriptive Study to Assess the Impact and Perception of Online Classes on Student Community Pan India during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes in India as in other parts of the world, became a prioritised source for learning. The researchers in the present study attempted to assess the perception of online classes including their impact and challenges amongst the students. Methodology: A quantitative approach using descriptive sample survey research design was incorporated to conduct the study. Subjects were students chosen from school and university. A structured questionnaire as Google Form was used to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse the data. Results: 97% of students spent 2 to 7 hours daily for online classes. Online classes give the right theoretical and practical experience as expressed by 55.4% and 21% respectively. 62% of students perceive that online grading system is less effective than offline grading system. Half of the subjects prefer face to face learning and one fourth preferred hybrid mode. 67.5% of students opined that online classes do not allow adequate interaction with the teachers. Among health impacts, 68%, 38%, 43% and 59% of the students reported eye, ear, and sleep and socialisation problems respectively. 74% of them reported drastic change in eating habits, while 76% of the subjects reported weight gain;posture problems were reported to be faced by 98 (62%) students;57 (64.3%) reported pain in the back of the neck, 52 (58.2%) reported low back pain, 42 (42.9%) reported pain during forward bending of shoulders, and 26 (26.5%) complained of stiff shoulders. Conclusion: Online classes at the present time are not considered a preferred mode of learning by students. The students identified various restrictions of online classes towards the understanding of subjects, limiting interaction with teachers and students asserted many negative impacts of prolonged online classes on their health. Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s).