Online Learning System in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan: Investigating Problems Faced by Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Novel COVID-19 caused turmoil in every domain of life around the globe. To halt the further spread of virus, preventive measures such as social and physical distancing have led to the temporal cessation of all education institutions in numerous countries. To minimize disruption of teaching and learning process during the pandemic, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan directed universities to transition to an online learning system. The research paper explores the problems faced by students in the current online education system introduced by various universities. A survey research method was employed, and the data were collected through convenience sampling. The link of the semi-structured questionnaire was shared with 550 students enrolled in public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. The study brought to light the diversified problems such as lack of internet facility, load shedding, financial issues, ear pain due to prolonged use of hand free/Bluetooth, and unreliable results in assessments.