Factors influencing undergraduate education in an expanding virtual world during COVID-19

Abstract

Moving to a virtual platform can introduce barriers beyond access and stability of technology, which may influence students’ academic performance. The aim of this study was to identify factors, both personal and technology-related, that students and faculty perceived as contributors to academic performance. Enrolled students and teaching faculty in the Bachelor of Science programs at Rush University were surveyed. Analysis of survey results indicated that mental health and finances hindered students’ performance, whereas faculty reported that technology accessibility and stability was the greatest contributor to students’ performance. Both groups reported that at-home learning environment contributed to students’ academic performance. These results provided insight into factors that impact student academic performance, allowing for appropriate changes to courses and overall curriculum to ensure undergraduates’ learning and retention of course material.