Challenges of E-learning during Covid-19 pandemic on biology students

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

E-learning or electronic learning is the delivery of learning and training through digital resources. According to Oxford Languages Dictionary (2011), E-learning is learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet.

Although E-learning is based on formalized learning, it is provided through electronic devices such as computers, tablets and even cellular phones that are connected to the study. While teaching can be base in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the internet forms the major component of E-learning.

Stockley, (2015) defined E-learning as education that uses computerized communication systems as an environment for communication, the exchange of information and interaction between student and instructors. E-learning centers on the intersection of education, teaching, and learning with ICT (Okoro, 2010).

 

          E-learning can also be termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to a large number of recipients at the same of different times. Earlier, it was not accepted whole heartedly as it was assumed that this system lacked the human element in learning. However, with the rapid progress in technology and advancement in learning systems, it is now embraced by the masses. The introduction of computers was the basis of this revolution and with the passage of time, as we get hooked to Smartphone’s tablets, etc these devices now have an important place in the classrooms for learning. Books are gradually getting replaced by electronic educational materials like optical disc or pen devices. Knowledge can also be shared via the internet, which is accessible 24/7 anywhere anytime (IndiaTimes, 2020).

The need for education updating was required because of the fast advances in technology. They need to learn at anytime and anyplace was in its way to be achieved (Woldinger, 2016). Over the past two decades, online learning has been activated in some global institutes. However, most schools, colleges and universities do not use this education mode, their staff does not know what is involved in E-learning.

The global decision to close the educational institutes was rational to keep social distancing and stop the spread of the corona virus. Some countries switched to online learning immediately because they were already prepared for online learning. This research focuses on Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri Biology learner’s challenges and obstacles during the current global pandemic and the possible facilities and solutions that can delivered to overcome these problems in the future. The significance of the present study is to explore the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic in Biology learning process in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The transition to online learning was the only option during the situation’s gravity because of the Covid-19 outbreak. Most states applied the lockdown to prevent society from the outbreak of the novel corona virus (Mohammad, 2020).

          These are some challenges and disadvantages of online learning: the accessibility of online education globally, saving time, money and efforts are advantages of online learning. In teaching, the lecturer’s recording is one advantage of online learning when students ask teachers to record the classes some difficulties were in biology and other science courses. For example diagrams and its explanation, calculations, cycle challenges etc. not all learners have good internet connectivity. Some learners suffered from network problems, lacking-high learning devices.

In March 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide pandemic (WHO, 2020). This pandemic is an unprecedented emergency that has affected all global industries, including education (Ayittey, 2020). Moreover, as a result of social distancing, the most effective preventative strategy since the emergence of COVID-19, medical education has been profoundly disturbed as it involves in-person didactic lectures and tutorials, clinical rotation exposure, laboratory experiences, observing and assisting relevant medical and surgical procedures.

In this crisis, the need to encourage E-learning in the modern world of education becomes clear. E-learning platforms can be utilized to deliver lectures remotely at one’s convenience. Students can then log in at a scheduled time for discussions, which can be facilitated live using video and audio conferencing. E-learning has a positive effect if the student participates actively.

This study will be conducted to find out the challenges of E-learning during Covid-19 pandemic on biology students in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

 

Statement of the Problem

          While learning online offers the ultimate freedom to organize your studies around your private and professional commitments, it can lead to complacency and a false sense of security if the appropriate dedication and time is not set aside for serious study. Universities and other tertiary institution of learning were  under pressure to align their curriculums with nation-wide government initiatives that demand technological skills in educating during the Covid-19 pandemic which inturn were influenced by the global knowledge economy. Well Alvan as a citadel of learning also partook in the online learning as a way of meeting up with this curriculum even while students were as home. But during resumption/post Covid academic session, many students had something to say against the E-learning practice. This study aims to critically study these challenges Biology students faced using the e-learning platform and what can be put in place to correct them.

Purpose of the Study

          The main purpose of the study is to find out the challenges of E-learning during Covid-19 pandemic on biology students in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. Specifically, the study sought to;

       i.            Determine the effect of e-learning on the academic performance of biology students during Covid-19 pandemic

     ii.            Determine the best methods to engage and motivate learners in e-learning

  iii.            Enlighten biology teachers and learners on the use of e-learning to enhance teaching and learning during Covid-19 pandemic

  iv.            Determine the outcome of the use of e-learning  during Covid-19 pandemic

Significance of the Study

          The study will be useful to the following individuals and groups; teachers, parents, curriculum planners, students, education administration and government at large.

Teachers: it would help teachers/lecturers because it will stimulate them to acquire knowledge on the use of the internet. It will also broaden their scope and lead them to learn new ways of presenting scientific issues in a way the students will understand even as they are not face-to-face.

Students: Science students would be moved to carry out individual practical lessons on the internet and also strive to understand and use good devices.

Parents: The findings will benefit parents of science students as they would realize the need to provide good devices for their kids/children/ward

Head of Department: HOD’s would be abreast with the challenges the students face using the internet and also report to the management.

AIFCE Management: the findings of the work will cause the management to review the whole process and be able to make limitations to what and what should be taught online

Curriculum Planners: The findings will cause them to review the curriculum and may include new introductory internet course of the early stage of learning so as to make students to be abreast of the knowledge before they are faced with it.

 

Research Questions

          The following research questions guided the study.

       i.            What is the effect of e-learning on the academic performance of biology students during Covid-19 pandemic?

     ii.            What are the best methods to engage and motivate learners in e-learning?

  iii.            What can be done to make biology teachers and learners on the use of e-learning to enhance teaching and learning during Covid-19 pandemic?

  iv.            What is the outcome of the use of e-learning during Covid-19 pandemic?

Scope of the Study

The study was restricted to only biology students of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. Third and final year students will form the study sample. The study focused on the challenges of E-learning during Covid-19 pandemic on biology students in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire, and mean statistics was used for data analysis.