Students' Experiences of Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This report discusses the experiences of students during online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis of interviews with participants is presented, covering topics such as differences from physical learning, support from peers, gaining new skills, and challenges faced. The report concludes with a discussion of the positive and negative experiences of online learning. Subject: Education. Course code: N/A. Course name: N/A. College/University: N/A.

Students experiences of
online learning during
the covid19 pandemic

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Topic to be investigated..........................................................................................................1
The Participants section..........................................................................................................1
Results (Using Thematic Analysis)........................................................................................2
Discussion...............................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7
Appendix..........................................................................................................................................7
Interview 1:.............................................................................................................................7
Interview 2:...........................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Covid-19 affected the whole world and different institutions around the globe. This
outbreak dramatically impacted students learning in which they were needed to take use of
online learning during the pandemic (Besser, Flett and Zeigler-Hill, 2020). Present report
significantly discuss the experience that students measured during online learning. Along with
this their experience has been significantly analysed and evaluated in the form of interview
which is followed by thematic analysis.
Topic to be investigated
Online learning is mainly stated as the use of software program which allows students to
enhance their skills, gain knowledge or learn different concepts and theories with the use of
online platforms out of the traditional classroom setting. Due to the outbreak of covid-19
students were needed to undertake advantage of online learning in which they faced negative as
well as positive experience.
The Participants section
In order to conduct present research that participants has been selected for recruited with
the help of convenience sample method. It has been evaluated that the sampling method is a form
of non probability sampling which basically include the sample that is being significantly drawn
from that part of the population which is close to hand (Maqableh and Alia, 2021). It has been
evaluated that convenience sample is an effective form of method in which use of student
volunteers as a subject for the research is being undertaken. In order to conduct present research
in a well defined and effective manner use of convenience sample method is being done in which
two participants section is being undertaken those who were in the age group of 35 and 47. The
ethnic background of these students for the selected participants is students those who are taking
advantage of online learning during the outbreak of pandemic. Furthermore it has been evaluated
that the institution criteria is students below the age group of 18 years at the time of selecting
participants. While on the other hand exclusion criteria is that participants are free to withdraw
from the research study after being included.
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Results (Using Thematic Analysis)
Thematic analysis defined as one of the most common form of analysis with and
quantitative research analysis. This mainly focused upon identification and analysis and
interpretation of patterns of meaning with qualitative data. Furthermore, it has been underline
that this is a form of method in which in a test of qualitative data is being done in an effective
manner (Moawad, 2020). It has been evaluated that this is a method which is used to describe
data and also include interpretation in the process of selecting constructing themes as well as
selecting codes. Thematic analysis plays important role as it helps researcher to learn the manner
in which analysis of qualitative data can be done. Along with that it may take analysis is a
flexible approach in which different base to interpretation data can be done. The main purpose of
thematic analysis is to evaluate or identify patterns which is important and use these themes in
order to effectively address the research. In this result can simply summarise the data. With the
help of thematic analysis one can make sense out of it. Furthermore, it has been underlined that
thematic analysis effectively allowed to stir to interpret data in a flexible manner. It also help
researchers to approach large data set in an easy manner and sort them into brought things. In
terms with present research with use of the thematic analysis research effectually analyse data.
This helps in capture the unknown unknowns in an effective method. In this research thematic
analysis is done of the interview as it is helpful to examine data in an effective manner.
Theme 1: How does learning online were different from live experience
Interpretation:
On the basis of the information provided by the Z candidate during current interview session it
has been and analysed that learning online during the times of covid-19 was quite difficult
experience as computer tend to scare and use of floppies is also quite difficult, Further, Z has
also faced many issues during online learning as there was also of mobile phone and suitable app
along with no assess to WhatsApp group and they tend to be more habitual for learning through
books and spending time in Library. Further, during the time of online learning they also faced
many difficulties associated with the mental anxiety and other issue as it was not easy. Further
being it has been also presented by Z that they are aged people within belongs to age group of 35
and 47 thus they are people with children, single parents as well so it was difficult to learn
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through online session and didn’t have time to participated in drop-in sessions.
Theme 2: Support of peers is available during online classes
Interpretation:
Based on current interview script it has been interpreted that lack of support from peers and
follow classmates along with situation of higher level of uncertainty and stressfulness are the
main issues and challenges are faced during online class. Further, it has been also seen that
everyone wants attention and supports while learning that is missing during the online classes
and there was also no metal support and difficulties in talking about the study material with the
peers has been also faced. Thus, an analysis can be made that insufficient support and interaction
with peers and classmates is being faced during online classes that negatively impacts the
motivation and understanding level of the students.
Theme 3: Feeling about learning with younger peers
Based on the current interview script it has been seen as per the view point of z that the people
feel it difficult to study within the youngers peers as they are the one who love partying and
enjoying there social life while on the other hand these aged people have to focus and emphasis
in there daily life responsibility being single parents and other mental stress. Further, Z has also
present the fact that sometime this online learning tend to support a better bonding with younger
peers as these are really have hood brain and feels happy to listen them.
Theme 4: New skills gained from online learning
Interpretation:
It has been analysed and reviewed based on the current interview script there are many crucial
skills and learning that has been learned by them based on the view point of Z. It has been
reviewed that they tend to learn and discover better computer skills along with become used to
downloading of the films along with better use of messenger and Facebook. Further, apart from
theses computer skills web learning also helps in understanding and completing various modules
and online courses that supports improved ICT skills. Further, learning about the word, power
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point and along with English and other academic language has been also made within the help of
online learning.
Theme 5: How to organise life and working schedule with online learning
Interpretation
It has been reviewed based on the current interview that the definitely it is important to set and
organise a proper schedule while online learning as while at home everybody needs to manage
time for cooking along with managing all the personal stuff. Thus, based on the view point of Z
it has been analsysed that organising and planning the day during the times of pandemic is quite
challenging. Further, it has been seen that no proper and timely notification about the schedule of
online season and lecture is available thus, it’s become more hectic and difficult to effectively
manage and organise the work during online learning. But the support from helpful spouse and
boyfriend in case of Z is vital to effectively manage the schedule and have reduction in stress and
argument level so to have a proper schedule and adjustment to revise hours for exam and online
session.
Theme 6: Is learning online is less intense and motivational as compared with real and
physical learning
Interpretation:
On the basis of the current interview script it has been analysed that online learning is less
intense and having less motivation level as compared with physical learning as there are many
distracting situation while online learning as renovation in neighbourhood and other distracting
situation like cooling, cleaning and anything other thing that negative affects the motivation level
of the learner. Further, it has been also seen that lack of proper communication and interaction
with peers and classmates and lack of interaction with tutor are also creating and leading to
increased issue of demotivation in learner along with the fact of learning with younger peers.
Further, it has been also point out by the Z that the face to face lecture are tend to be more
engaged and have good communication and inspiration level for leaner based on strong focus
level.
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Theme 7: Is online learning more convenient
Interpretation:
It has been analsysed that Z believes that main benefit of online classes and learning comprises
of the fact that are more convenient as they do not need to travel and did not have to waste a
large portion of day in travelling thus, can give more hours for learning without having any
tiredness from travelling. Further, Z also believed that during online session they have more time
to study.
Discussion
On the basis of analysis of above result a comparison of this interview of people could be
made with the questions as based on the current interview it has been discussed that online
learning session are quite difficult experience as compared with physical learning as computer
and use of floppies is quite difficult while the review of questions supported that fact that more
online learning is much more flexible and essay than coming to university and in the same time.
Further, a discussion could also be made that the questions being to support the fact that learning
with younger peers is amazing as it supports better learning experience based on interaction with
both the generations while the interview script that to focus on the fact that during the time of
online learning they also faced many difficulties associated with the mental anxiety and other
easy as it was not easy. Along with this, online interview script also emphasis on the fact that
being aged students many difficulties related with the managing children along with the organise
a proper schedule while online learning as while at home everybody needs to manage time for
cooking along with managing all the personal stuff is also quite difficult. While on the other
hand a comparison of this can be made with the set questions that tend to reflect that the based
on the fast upgradation of the technology having and making base of online learning is most
efficient and suitable way of learning.
Further, a more emphasis on the challenges being faced by students during online
learning is also being compared within both the questions and interview transcript that reflects
that lack of ICT underdoing and inefficient access to computer resources and mobile phone are
also the vital challenges that are being faced by students during the time of online learning. Apart
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from this, it has been also observed and analysed during the comparison of the both provided
questions and interview of people that online learning plays a vital role in enhancing crucial
skills and upgrading understanding level especially at the time of covid-19 when physical classes
are not possible. It has been discussed based on the interview that the downloading of the films
along with better use of messenger and Facebook and improved computer and ICT skills along
with the learning about the word, power point together with English and other academic
language has been also made within the help of online learning. On the other hand, the question
session tends to supports the development of improve time management skills along with
learning sled discipline and meeting deadline is being learned through online learning classes.
Finally, a discussion and comparison can be made that based on interview of people online
learning is less intense and also lack motivation as they have limited communication and
interaction with peers while the review of questions tend to support the fact that online learning
is more convenient and flexible in nature. According to the analysis of students viewpoints it
happen underlined that online learning is out to be completely different as compared to online
learning. This learning have both positive as well as negative impact upon students in addition to
this it has been identified. From the viewpoint of many students that online learning is cost
effective have less density and can significantly improve their self-dependence. In addition to
this analysis from the viewpoint of mature students experience, online learning is somehow lead
them to face difficulty in which students experience many complexities. Furthermore, it has been
analysed that pandemic has significantly affected student life in an hard manner and created
stressful in situations from them. In this they have not only face difficulties but also face mental
stress. However from the viewpoint of other students it has been analysed that they experienced
that online learning provide them very beneficial advantages which help them to build skills,
express view, share problems and ask advises and complaints about lectures and work. In
addition to this it has been analysed that many students states that online learning is an effective
platform which helps them to find resources, modulus in an effective manner. It also makes
improvement in their computer skills as well as English language which is an important part of
academic language. From the viewpoint of other students it has been analysed that during online
learning they face many district of situation such as horrible noise which affected their
concentration level. Thus from the analysis it has been stated that students experience both
negative as well as positive experience of online learning.
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Besser, A., Flett, G.L. and Zeigler-Hill, V., 2020. Adaptability to a sudden transition to online
learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Understanding the challenges for
students. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology.
Xhelili, P and et. al., 2021. Adaptation and perception of online learning during COVID-19
pandemic by Albanian university students. International Journal on Studies in
Education, 3(2), pp.103-111.
Moawad, R.A., 2020. Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and academic stress in
university students. Revista Românească pentru Educaţie Multidimensională, 12(1
Sup2), pp.100-107.
Rohman, M. and et. al., 2020. Online learning in higher education during covid-19 pandemic:
students’ perceptions. Journal of Talent Development and Excellence, 12(2s), pp.3644-
3651.
Maqableh, M. and Alia, M., 2021. Evaluation online learning of undergraduate students under
lockdown amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: The online learning experience and students’
satisfaction. Children and Youth Services Review, 128, p.106160.
Appendix
Interview 1:
R: So we researching how much the mature student experience online learning during this
COVID pandemic. So yeah, thank you again for being here. Shall we start?
Z: Yeah, sure.
R: So to start with, can you describe how does learning online were different from live
experience?
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Z: Yes, of course. It's a little bit difficult actually. So as a mature student I have experienced
from my previous study abroad as well, so I get a big age gap, maybe 20 years. Previously I
learned in the abroad in you know, a university setting as well. So, if I look back, I can see
much differences. If you are much younger, you can easily cope things. I remember I had
study, student job, parties, boyfriend and I was not tired that much. Nowadays, in this age I
cannot imagine this life style. Even these technical opportunities did not exist. The computer
scared me, we used floppies. No mobile phone and Apps, WhatsApp groups (hahaha). I
bought lots of books and spent plenty time in Library, and also spent lots of money for
printing.. Yeah, of course there are disadvantage as well, So but actually really good
experience. So, I just have learned a lot.
R: Can you tell me what's your experience to find support to help online study instead of a real
life, which is easier to interact, but how do you find it online?
Z: First of all, the family, your background is most important. In this pandemic was really hard
because I was at home with people. I lost my job, the situation was uncertain, stressful. I
have boyfriend two cats and flatmates. Everybody wants attention and just mostly during
this difficult situation you know, had to speak out stuff, the difficulties the uncertain
situation. So even these guys couldn't help me, you know, to the study. I was on my own,
taking my own responsibility. Actually, I did not want any help, it was my decision to learn.
But mental support is essential, talking about the study difficulties to them. Just listening to
me is really helpful or getting a cup of tea. Advice to learn, tips, sharing experiences I was
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rely on the peers. The guys who are unknown, we didn't know each other. I did not meet
with them in the first year. Yeah. So that was strange, little bit.
R: And so, you did find support from your peers compared to your tutors.
I got support from the tutors as well. They helped to find our resources on web learn, how to
engage. But they wanted lots of independent work from us, what was hard. We have
academic mentors who did lots of a drop-in session online. So, I tried to be participate with
all of them. That was important for me even using and building skills, express my view,
share my problem. But at the beginning I was shy, so did not ask much, or did not book
online appointment for advice, help. With another students from course created WhatsApp
group chat to build relationship, but mostly ask advice, complains about lectures,
workloads…I had some difficult time sometimes, because the guys were quiet when asked
something what was important for me.
R: So, people not always present. Yeah, they do their own time. Basically, if you need help is
more visible and painful.
Z: yeah. Exactly. I don't blame them. I know more people faced to difficulties with mentally,
anxiety. It was not easy. And they are people with children, single parents as well. I did not
know the background and or situation. But for me, that was difficult if no answer, being,
feeling alone with no answer. That's why I try to be all the time participated in drop-in
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sessions. Even I found interesting webinars, online events. I wanted to feel I am a student.
Therefore all engagement was useful.
I know the online learning is getting popular now but for me is most useful if you get a shorter
session, that's fine. You can focus and motivate yourself if you know when you finish. But
the uni three years or more Yeah, we don't we didn't know when the pandemic is over. We
did not choose to do it. We been forced by this situation. Another thing is sometimes we had
technical issues like internet you know, and just how the sometimes even we had like online
presentation and the lecturer had problem as well. So when you in stress and how can you
make your presentation it's just not nice when the Internet is off and just had to rely on it and
just getting mad…
R: Yeah. True. So how do you find learning with the younger peers?
Z: I like to talk to them. They have a different life now. I mean, I mean, they love partying,
enjoying social life. And my life is, you know, I have done my stuff when I was younger. I
want to concentrate on the study because this is the most important for me this time. Okay.
So, so I can compare now because we return back to the schools, so this is much useful for
me actually. Even I find my study buddy who is younger but keen to learn. Yes. is really
great and we can push together, but we talk about personal life as well. And that that's why
online this bond didn't happen. They helped me to choose my Ipad, which App useful. Some
of them really have good brain, happy to listen to them. But sometimes so annoying when
they do not have idea when we have lecture, when is the exam…
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R: So would you tell me what skills you gained from online learning?
Z: I have learned many. First of all, I wanted to discover my computer again. Before I used to
download films, using Messenger, Facebook and google recipes hahaha
I have started my course in 2020 autumn, middle of the pandemic. I think that time the second
wave, so Only opportunity to learn online. I have learned to be confident to use web learn,
where and how can I find the modules, resources how can I engage. I have improved my
computer skills to be able to use microphone, camera, run spss program. I learned how can I
download, install programs, Apps. I wanted to listen carefully to lecturers. They explained,
uploaded instructions to help through this situation. I have improved my IT skills definitely.
Learned Word, power point…I wanted to improve my English as well, because academic
language is difficult, not the same what we speak in common life. Mostly when my first
language is not English. So, I read lot. It helped me to improve my coding and rehearsal
abilities. It helps me to communicate effectively, academically…
R: Yeah, even, you know, how can you organize your life?
Z: Definitely. It is very important. But if everybody at home or just cooking some personal stuff
you know, and had to had to plan your day organizing the life because if you if you online,
it's tend to be a little bit lazy. Yeah, I mean, hard to concentrate. You drink the coffee in
pyjama and just listening to lecture…Had to be tough and make plan though. Luckily my
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boyfriend is helpful, he accepted my decision. I did not want more stress and argument, so I
always made plan, my schedule to adjust my revise hours to exams.
R: Maybe your focus is less intense if you online compared to real?
Z: There are distracting situations. For example, my neighbour did renovate the house. It was
really, really horrible and noisy and hard to concentrate. The cats want attention…I wanted
to cook, clean, everything same time. being perfect in everything. Yeah, very, very hard to
move yourself forward are surely then mostly when then the group chat is quiet. If no school
this is the only thing what tie to school. And watching the news is the most stressful. How
many people died, cases, which wave…it's really stressful…I was ill and later my brother…
what is the most distractive case.
R: Certainly.. So this situation is not compatible?
Z: Actually, it's much, much different. because we've seen only the lecturer’s face, but most of
the time we are shy or doesn't but didn't bother at all. And people didn't engage too much
online. So that was really negative. Nothing's productive.
R: So along with any issue concentrating, younger peers what else caused challenges for you?
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Z:It was hard to concentrate. My age was a good excuse. Some abilities decrease with age, being
rusty if we do not use. I'm older, even the big gap between the last study and the current one.
Different routine. I think that was a really brave step from me to change my life, my
lifestyle. But being in halfway now I feel good, sometimes fun. It was hard to push myself
through these difficulties. But when I talk with my friends, family, boyfriend and they said,
“Oh, I'm really proud of you”. This is what can motivate, I don't want to give up.
R: So you want to show your mindset, your own personal gain.
Z:Yeah, even long time I felt I want to change my life, the job, new career. It just happened
actually, that's just really good one.
R: How do you keep up your motivation?
Z: In face-to-face lecture the people are more engaged, so I feel so as well. Even if somebody
have a good comment inspire me to operate my brain harder, focus strongly. If I see
somebody so clever this is pushing me as well in same time, you know?
R: Yes. So they give you positive energy.
Z: Yeah, exactly. Now I don't have time watching films, but I if I have try to choose what based
on real life event. Mostly when you had to work hard for the success, there are barriers, but
you focus, fight and make that success. And, I try to find more challenge for me, for
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example applying internship. This is required lots of energy, time, focusing and you know,
moving your brain is great. Yeah, and this is a good challenge for me, finding my own
strength. I think I feel this is my chance, maybe the last one, so let’s do focus. I try to do
even more exercise. It makes me more energetic. Not given up. I am happy to be in the Uni
even more convenient to do online.
R: Why do you say convenient?
Z: Because if do online we are at home and no need to travel. I had to travel three hours a day
for this study,doing really big effort, sacrifice actually, but I don't mind it. And sometimes I
already tired when I come here. We get more time studying during online sessions. But as
I've mentioned before, sometimes we lose our the interest. Actually, if I have any problem in
person I get more chance to get answer immediately, not in online because online
sometimes people quiet. Even very cool to go to lecturer, asking and get answer.
R:Alright, I think we covered everything. So thank you very much for participating. In this
study, his interview. We appreciate that. And also, if you have any more question, anything
else you want to know just email us.
Interview 2:
1. Can you describe how does learning online were different from live experience?
Online learning for me was more flexible than coming to university and in the same
time put us in a situation where we had to update very fast on technology and
how to do research, how to read how to use the tools that technology gives
us.Even if you have some problems, you re ill, you re on the beach or in the
library you can still be there, connected in a virtual world and you can learn. The
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things that i missed most were the relationship that you can creat face to face
with someone, from the teacher to colleagues . To feel them , touch them , feel
their presence next to you and doing thins together.
2.As a mature student how do you feel about learning with younger peers?
For me to have colleagues younger and older than me it s amazing, because i can
learn from both generations.
Younger peers who just graduated high school I think they are more used with
learning and being engaged and for us who finished high school more than 5
years ago it s a challenge to take it from the beginning with learning something
new for us.
3. What challenges did you face returning to education system?
Like i said before , the biggest challenge was with me.After you stopped a few years
learning, reading, focusing on a subject you loose the ability to do all this things
so you start to take over being engaged to do all this things.
4. What skills did you use and gained during online learning?
First of all , the biggest skill gained is that i can use a computer much better than
before which I think is very important for our future.
I learn time management and how to respect my deadlines.Individual learning and
self discipline i also gained during this period , because some times you really
need control of your own behavior otherwise you can t keep beings engaged
with your studies.
5.What was your experience to find support service to help online study?
My Teachers and Tutors were really helpful. I had lots of drop in session with them
and also i booked one to one session with them if I really needed to understand
something.With my colleagues i have a WApp group so we were talking and
helping each other a lot.
6.How do you keep up your motivation?
I have to say that my family and friends helped me a lot, especially when i was
complaining that it s to hard, they motivate me by trusting in me and telling me
that i can do this. I think it s important in some moments when you lose you’re
faith to have someone to trust you.
And my main motivation it s coming from my desire to help people and to do
something in this life that i ll be proud.
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