Online learning amid COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of Bhutanese students
Norbu Wangdi 1 * , Yeshi Dema 1, Ngawang Chogyel 1
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1 Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School, Haa, Bhutan
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected every aspects of human life around the globe. Education is one of the sectors that has been severely affected due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Schools in more than 190 countries got shut down to break the chain of coronavirus. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the perspectives of Bhutanese students towards online learning amid COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed mixed method to triangulate the data and solidify the findings. A total participants of 200 day scholar students of the school was selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using survey questionnaire and interview questions and analyzed based on descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings of the study disclosed that the cost of internet in Bhutan is too expensive for students and the teachers were not well-equipped with knowledge and skills to manage online classes. The study also showed that about 70 percent of participants do not have their own personal smartphones/laptops to attain online classes. Thus this study recommend ministry of education to provide workshop for teachers to enhance their digital knowledge and look at the possibilities to reduce the cost of internet for the benefit of our students.

Keywords

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