European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid shift from in-class to online learning in higher education. This shift created an educational environment that confused universities and faculty members. Since students are regarded as an axis around which everything revolves in the teaching-learning context, it is necessary to inquire into their views about this form of education. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine undergraduate students’ perspective about online learning and the extent to which it influenced them positively or negatively in respect of psychological state, learning and skill acquisition, level of interaction, and financial state. It also aimed to explore their views about the pros and cons of online learning. Method: This study used a mixed method of research design. It used a questionnaire and questionnaire interview in order for the qualitative results to support the quantitative ones. One hundred and thirty-one students participated in the present study. Results: The study indicated that the psychological state of students was ranked first and their level of interaction was ranked last regarding the influence online learning had on them. It also indicated that the interviewees highlighted advantages for online learning, such as time and effort saving, ease of communication, lecture follow-up and feedback and disadvantages, such as lack of interaction, internet and electricity, and motivation. In addition, the study showed no significant differences in students’ responses to the four categories or aspects due to gender, residential area, and the type school they graduated from. However, they revealed significant differences between Arts and Information Technology students’ responses. Conclusion: These results may enlighten policy makers and university officials and make them improve the level of electronic services for students.