Digital learning Initiatives, Challenges and Achievement in Higher Education in Nepal Amidst COVID-19
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide and reshaped the existing educational system. Due to travel constraints and physical separation, there has been a global shift toward distance learning, and Nepal is no exception. This research intends to assess the practicality of online education by evaluating learners' experiences amidst COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was directed among HEIs students in Nepal using self-structured questionnaires. Our study revealed that 64.6% of the respondents were unsatisfied with online classes. More than half of the respondents (53.4%) use cell phones for online studies. Online education was reported to be unappealing to 28.8% of respondents. Variables such as age group (p = 0.05), enjoying class (p < 0.001), hours spent for an online class in a day (p = 0.05), and period for educational work using an electronic device (p = 0.1) were found significant with satisfaction level using both bivariate test and inferential test of univariate binary logistics regression. The challenges and opportunities encountered among students and faculties are highlighted along with the recommendations for fortifying communication in online-based educating/learning.
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This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/10673041.
The authors examined the experience of online learning among higher education students in Nepal, as the Covid pandemic reduced opportunities for face-to-face education. Among a sample of students who responded to an online survey, they identified the issues faced by the students and explored some variables that were associated with satisfaction with online education. The authors went on to discuss the potential benefits of online education and what steps might be taken to improve delivery and access to online higher education in Nepal. I found this a thoughtful and important paper, of value to the higher education sector in Nepal and elsewhere.
Major issues
My only major issue is the lack …
This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/10673041.
The authors examined the experience of online learning among higher education students in Nepal, as the Covid pandemic reduced opportunities for face-to-face education. Among a sample of students who responded to an online survey, they identified the issues faced by the students and explored some variables that were associated with satisfaction with online education. The authors went on to discuss the potential benefits of online education and what steps might be taken to improve delivery and access to online higher education in Nepal. I found this a thoughtful and important paper, of value to the higher education sector in Nepal and elsewhere.
Major issues
My only major issue is the lack of an understanding of the generalisability of the findings, due to potential bias in survey responses. We are not told of how the sampling frame was established, what was the size of the random sample drawn and hence the response rate. This can easily be corrected by describing what was done and including a section on study limitations in the paper.
Minor issues
I would have liked to see a research question or hypothesis stated - this helps with working out the appropriateness of the analysis.
I would have liked to know if the questionnaire was piloted before use.
I found the age distribution strange, and wonder how the categories were developed.
Competing interests
The author declares that they have no competing interests.
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