Perception of Parents and Students on Education in Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic under Thimphu Dzongkhag 2020

Abstract

Globally COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the normal functions of schools. Online learning is a new concept in Bhutan. Nonetheless, teaching and learning happened using various online learning platforms. This study examines the students’, parents’, and school’s perceptions about the effectiveness of online Education in the Emergencies teaching-learning environment. A total of 690 students, 677 parents, and 12 schools participated. The survey questionnaire prepared by the Education Monitoring Division, Ministry of Education was used to collect data. The findings of the study suggest that 66% of students enjoyed EiE lessons. Although, 70% of the student respondents reported that their parents could help them in online learning, in reality only 62% of parents provided academic-related support to their children. The findings reiterated that the most popular application during the online learning was WeChat followed by Google Classroom and a slow internet connection and high internet data subscription charges were cited as major challenges for both teachers and students alike. Further, the results of the predictive analysis suggest 11% variability that can be accounted for by studying 1-2 hours in a day. Interaction and communication with teachers to clear their doubts more than four times a week is accounted for an 18% improvement in the effectiveness of online learning. The third predictor supports and guidance received from parents in learning could be accounted for 24% effectiveness, while the final predictor variable time spent on playing video games and other online games did not contribute to change in r square value.