Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic forced several Bangladeshi private
universities to move from in-person to online classes. This paradigm shift
has facilitated a unique window of opportunities to harness the untapped
potentials of e-learning practices in Bangladesh. However, it has posed a
myriad of coping challenges for Bangladeshi students. This exploratory
research was conducted to identify the seized learning opportunities along
with the critical challenges experienced by the students while learning from
online classes at a private university of Bangladesh. This research adopted a
mixed methodology of combining both qualitative and quantitative approach
for holistic insights. Quantitative data was collected through an online
questionnaire survey on a representative and diverse sample size of 745
participants from ten different departments. Semi-structured in-depth
interviews consisting of closed and open-ended questions were conducted on
20 respondents for in-depth findings. Primary findings demonstrate the
underutilized potential of online classes such as adaptive personal learning,
peer learning, gamification, collaborative problem solving, synchronized
and asynchronized communications etc. The primary challenges include
inadequate infrastructural arrangements, lack of uniform and coherent
guidelines, non-existence of incentives, limited access to devices, interrupted
internet connectivity, poor speed of internet, high data price, limited or no
prior orientation to online learning tools and techniques, tedious online
class schedule, increased summative and formative tests, fatigue from
overusing virtual platforms and physiological issues such as eye-strain,
backpain, headache, dizziness from prolonged online classes, absence of
face-to-face socialization etc. Based on these findings, this study recommends
a few pragmatic strategies to harness the untapped opportunities of online learning and further ensure the viability and sustainability of online
education in Bangladesh.
Keywords: E-learning; opportunities; online classes; Bangladesh;
COVID-19.
