School off, learning on: identification of preference and challenges among school students towards distance learning during COVID19 outbreak

Abstract

Since continuing learning draws on education, wherever it is available, no matter by whom provided, it is clear that programmes offered by formal education institutions are only one of many sources and options. The current study aimed at identification students’ preferable levels and challenges of using distance learning in COVID-19. The sample comprised of 720 students. The researchers adopted a questionnaire and verified its validity and reliability. Mean, standard deviations, and ANOVA tests were conducted. The results indicated that the level of students’ preferable in using distance learning is medium in general. The results did not show significant differences at the level (α = 0.05) of the use of distance learning for two independent variables: students’ gender and region, yet they indicated statistically significant differences in students’ preferable in distance learning for both educational level and ICT skills. On the other hand, the results indicated that the level of challenges faced by the students toward using distance learning is weak. This shows that students did confront real learning problems via digital platforms. Inferential statistics indicated that there is a significant difference in ICT skills in favor of those who did not have ICT skills. However, no statistically significant differences for three independent variables: students’ gender, educational level, and region.