Satisfaction level of students of National University of Science and Technology (NUST) regarding online teaching during second wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Covid-19 disrupted educational systems on a global scale with Pakistan being no exception. Classes had to be shifted to online mode almost overnight with little time for preparation or training. There is no indication of whether the students were satisfied with this switch over from their traditional modes of learning.

Objective: To determine the satisfaction level of students of National University of Science and Technology regarding online teaching during 2nd wave of covid-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the National University of Science & Technology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from March 2021 to April 2021 on university undergraduate students through an online survey using email and social media. The survey requested demographic and socioeconomic information, as well as information related to online learning and electronic devices; education status during the COVID-19 pandemic; and e-learning knowledge, attitudes, and practices. SPSS 23 was used to analyze calculated data.

Results: A total of 256 students participated in the study. The majority were from the age group 18–20 years (55.5%, n=142). Among them 57% (n= 146) consist of male and 43% (n=110) were female. Majority of participants (27.3%; n=70) were studying in 2nd semester of Software Engineering department. Among electronic device used for online study, laptop was used as major electronic device (34.8%; n=89), followed by mobile phone (25.8%; n=66). Majority of students (57%) were not satisfied with online teaching as compared to conventional classroom teaching and considered not to prefer online teaching; 67.2% students complained about difficulty in understanding topics and questions during online classes. However, online system is not a total failure, as majority of students (71.4%) were satisfied with the fact that teachers were supportive, responsive, and quick enough to solve their queries.

Conclusion: Overall, there was dissatisfaction and negative comments regarding interaction among students, practical learning, focus on study, and technological/infrastructural flaws.