Online Learning & Student Satisfaction

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused a multitude of repercussions worldwide. The education system was one that was gravely impacted as it caused several educational institutions to close and alter their form of lessons to an online basis. 

 MAHSA University fell under this category and lessons were conducted through online platforms. The adaptations that had to be made for students were challenging as the vast majority preferred to be physically present in classrooms for their lessons. We made an effort to overcome this issue by implementing the E-learning System, also known as the Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to that, lessons were conducted via Google Meet for the same durations as would physical classes.

 The majority of our students who benefited from this were our international students as they were unable to travel and cross boarder. Our students were given the opportunity to watch lessons repeatedly as lecturers would upload videos of pre-recorded lessons on their E-Learning System. Assignments and quizzes were also conducted through the platform which allowed students to navigate their way with their electronic devices. This was efficient and practical as they were given the opportunity to learn anywhere with Internet connection while reducing their risk of COVID-19.

 However, this pandemic brought a new set of obstacles that students had to face. In a typical classroom, the environment is conducive for a student to be able to focus on the lesson at hand. Whereas in the comfort of their own homes, students are more easily distracted and find it harder to pay attention to their lessons. The lack of peer interaction can also affect a student’s ability to learn soft skills such as effective communication and teamwork which impairs the holistic learning capabilities of the individual. The absence of hands-on learning will lead to students being more dependent on the theoretical aspects of their education in hopes of compensating for their practical work. Needless to say, there are many pitfalls in the implementation of online learning.

 With that being said, we rose to the challenges alongside its student body by offering their guidance and aiding the learning process in whichever way they could. One such instance involves the dedicated lecturers who were able to supervise and guide the students by having extra lessons when needed. The lecturers were willing to sacrifice their time for the betterment of their students’ education.

 We look forward to welcoming our students once again to a complete face-to-face teaching and learning and to rise above the years we had to adjust with the changes needed with the new norm.