Perception and Preference of School Student’s towards E-Classrooms in India during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

After the outbreak of Corona, India’s traditional education structure was completely shifted to E-classrooms. Many educational institutions, however, welcomed this new technology development without first examining the availability, price, accessibility, and acceptability of virtual learning among young, developing students. The purpose of the research was to focus on the perception and preference of E-learning of Indian school students from class V to XII with the help of an online survey of 816 respondents. The attempt was made to uncover the concrete issues of online classes faced by the school students and further suggestions on how to best utilize this integrated approach in the school education system in near future. Thus, the study addresses the student’s perspective towards virtual classes and their expectation and experience to further improve the online education system. The study revealed that students are well equipped with the devices as well as technical knowledge and have good internet connectivity. The students opined that online classes are not effective as it requires self-motivation as well as a lack of direct interaction with the teachers and fellow-mates. However, they appreciated the convenience of E-classrooms, and many felt alienated as a result of their isolation, whereas sitting in front of a computer makes them feel drowsy, and many complained of eye problems. But in the school education system full model of virtual learning may not be possible, but a blended approach can be practiced.