Preference and Feasibility of Online Classes among Bangladeshi Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to gain bits of knowledge about university students' feasibility regarding online classes in Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 542 students were surveyed by adopting purposive sampling to identify their perceptions towards online classes. Result shows, though 71% (385) of total students participated in online classes but in response to asking their level of agreement on taking online classes, only one third (33%) of the students agree with taking online classes. The study also found 87% of the total students faced different problems during classes including poor net connectivity (85%), lacking logistics (42%). Correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted to identify and confirm the association of socio-demographic variables and the kind of problem faced during online classes with students' preference of online classes. A significant relationship exists between student's preference of online classes with the lack of logistic support they had and poor net connectivity. This study's findings can guide policymakers to take proper initiatives such as ensuring strong network facility, providing low cost internet facilities to students and therefore can help students to continue online classes which will ultimately boost the education system of Bangladesh even and afterwards.