Students’ and teachers’ attitude towards online classes during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

In this paper, students, and teachers' attitudes towards shifting to an entirely online learning environment were assessed due to COVID-19.  The main objective of the study was to investigate the students’ and teachers' attitudes towards Online learning during the COVID-19 situation in Bangladeshi Government Colleges. Findings revealed that cost and time-effectiveness, safety, convenience, and improved participation were the most frequently cited positive aspects of the online learning experience, while distraction and reduced focus, heavy workload, problems with technology and the internet, lack of ICT knowledge, and poor network infrastructure,  limited availability of educational resources, low attendance of learners, uncooperative learners and insufficient support from instructors and colleagues were the most recurrent negative aspects. The qualitative and quantitative research method was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom with 10 College teachers and Focus group discussion conducted via Zoom with 18 and survey 100 college students via Google platform from three Bangladesh renowned Government College from Hons 1st year to masters’ level located in Rajshahi divisional district town of the country. A sample of these essays was analyzed using open coding. The findings of the study help instructors and institutions understand students’ and Teachers' attitudes regarding online teaching & learning under abnormal circumstances. Several recommendations informed by the interpretation of the participants’ feedback are offered to assist instructors, administrators, and policymakers improve future online learning experiences.  After conducting the whole study, it can be said that though have some problems adapting to online classes in three regarding BGCs colleges affiliated to the National University of Bangladesh, they are slowly becoming accustomed to it.