In the Storm of COVID-19: College Students’ Perceived Challenges With Virtual Learning

Authors

  • Lizhu Davis California State University, Fresno
  • Qun Sun California State University, Fresno
  • Todd Lone California State University, Fresno
  • Annette Levi California State University, Fresno
  • Pei Xu California State University, Fresno

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v22i1.4964

Keywords:

higher education, synchronous, asynchronous, virtual learning, online

Abstract

Using open-ended questions, this study surveyed over 450 undergraduate students to gain insights into their perceptions of the virtual learning environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results reveal the rapid transition of most courses to online teaching because of COVID-19 was very challenging for students. A conceptual model was developed on the challenges of virtual learning. The findings reveal three major challenges for virtual learning: learning environment, motivation, and learning effectiveness. Environment and personal characteristics contributed to the lack of motivation to learn. Furthermore, students’ learning behavior and professors’ unpreparedness, and subject matter caused decreased learning effectiveness. The findings of the study can help decision makers at colleges and universities make informed decisions when adopting and/or modifying different teaching/learning environments, as well as professors in developing effective teaching strategies and pedagogy.

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Published

2022-02-10

How to Cite

Davis, L., Sun, Q., Lone, T., Levi, A., & Xu, P. (2022). In the Storm of COVID-19: College Students’ Perceived Challenges With Virtual Learning. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v22i1.4964

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Section

Articles