EXPLORING THE ENCGT BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARD E-LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A QUANTITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the functioning of a variety of institutions, especially Higher Education ones (HEIs). In the scenario of Covid-19 crisis, the contribution of Information Technology (IT) has gained fame due to the shutdown of schools and universities. During the lockdown, E-learning has become the only way to ensure learning continuity.

Aim: After a few months of fulltime online learning, this research was conducted in order to explore the ENCGT Business School students’ perceptions of E-learning. The study aimed also to identifying the actions that need to be taken to improve the students’ E-learning experience.

Method: This research used a quantitative method based on a survey. An online questionnaire was sent to 1200 students, 976 of them agreed to take part in the study. The collected data were then analyzed using a statistical software. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis were applied.

Findings: The findings highlight the common challenges faced by students in online learning during the lockdown. Technological, social, communicational, personal and mental health issues have been identified.

Implications: The study is very useful in the sense that it allows HEIs to understand students’ expectations regarding E-learning and meet them adequately. Likewise, the results are valuable for teachers who should seriously reflect on their teaching styles and methods so they can flexibly adapt to the increasingly digitized world. Finally, the study enables students to have their voice heard.