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Bosslady0922
Help, please. Can you please help me determine the theoretical…
Help, please.
Can you please help me determine the theoretical framework in the paragraphs below? It seems it is not clearly defined.
I will appreciate all the help you can provide.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all levels of the educational systems, ranging from pre-school to tertiary education, subsequently affecting over 1.5 billion students. This has led to the temporal closure of schools, cancellation of face-to-face classes and examinations as well as strictly observing physical distancing. These measures have ignited the digital transformation related to higher education systems, challenging its capability to respond in a prompt and efficient manner. Schools worldwide embraced various forms of technologies, modified resources for learning, developed new protocols for teaching, established systems and infrastructures as well as adjusting their curricula. Whilst this transition was carried out efficiently for some schools, it was not so for others, especially those in low-income countries with inadequate infrastructures.
Given the current uncertainties, the world is experiencing significant changes in terms of technology in the education environment, including the expansion and implementation of online learning across various learning settings, either formal or informal. Recently, schools and students worldwide are steadily embracing online learning technologies that enable lecturers to offer instruction in an interactive manner, distribute learning resources as well as facilitating interactions among students. Online learning involves the utilization of the internet and other technical devices and tools for synchronous and asynchronous delivery of instructions and managing academic programs. While synchronous online learning comprises, real-time interactions occurring between lecturers and students, asynchronous online learning takes place in the absence of a strict schedule for various students. Thus, asynchronous method of online learning, does not need real-time interactions. Studies have established the effectiveness of online learning, but the challenges associated with its implementation is increasing.
Other scholars have highlighted the challenges students face regarding online learning to those related to self-regulation, competency in the use of technology, student isolation, technology adequacy and complexity. The self-regulation aspect relates to the ability of students to control their emotional state, actions and opinions to attain their learning objectives. The competency related to technology, has got to do with the capability of students to use technology effectively for the purpose of learning. Students’ isolation refers to the emotional discomfort experienced by students due to loneliness and been separated from their peers or classmates. While technological adequacy relates to various challenges students face in accessing existing online technologies for learning, technological complexity includes challenges faced by students, resulting from their exposure to technologies which are complex and overly sufficient for online learning.
Additional challenges associated with online classes have been identified by researchers in relation to resources. These underpin the possibility of students experiencing challenges related to the utilisation of library and instructional resources as well as the challenges that students experience based on their learning experiences and approaches. The difficulty students’ face in understanding the subject content, during online classes and internet connectivity challenges have been established. Together, these have significant impact on students’ attainment of learning outcomes.
Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a great challenge to the education system in Fiji, which has necessitated governments and policymakers to put in place interventions to minimize the impact of the pandemic on education, such as providing technological learning resources and the modification of curriculum, assessment and methods of instructional delivery. These changes forced schools in Fiji to move to full online learning, of which FNU, is without an exception. Due to the uniqueness of this approach, many students had no option than to quickly adopt to this mode of learning, within limited period. Online teaching and learning have become the order of the day for both lecturers and students worldwide, hindering both parties from enjoying the benefits derived from social interactions or typical learning school settings.
The recent situation could increase the challenges students face during online learning, resulting from mobility restrictions and healthcare protocols. As such, it is necessary to explore and understand the experiences of students regarding online learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
