STUDENT PERCEPTION OF ONLINE LEARNING IN COMPARISON TO ON-SITE LEARNING

Abstract

This Thematic paper will attempt to discuss the various experiences of higher level (Bachelors/Masters) with online learning platforms in order to ascertain the perception of students. the paper aims to investigate the perception of how students feel about online learning. Whether the experience was a positive or negative, the challenges of navigating learning in a virtual environment, how the change in social interaction amongst fellow students and colleagues as well as to the instructor, and the degree of engagement and communication difficulties that might arise as a consequence and the perspective and mindset towards online learning before and after COVID-19. This paper provides insights into the overall experience with online learning amongst students, the factors which affect the online experience, the mindset of students before the experience and the individual attitudes and mindsets students have towards online learning. It concludes with recommendations and suggestions for instructors and the skills they should develop to improve the online experience.