The Effectiveness of Online Teaching-Learning System: A Study Based on the Experiences of UG Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This paper attempts to study the effectiveness of online mode of teaching-learning system based on a statistical survey on the experiences of 545 UG students of some colleges (affiliated to the University of Calcutta) of Kolkata, India, who attended online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chi-square test of independence is used to study the roles of gender, programme of study and residential location of the students in the usefulness of online mode of teaching. The results indicate that gender, residential area and programme of study were significant factors determining usefulness of the online mode. The female students reported more about the negative aspects of online classes like logistic and physical problems compared to the male students but the aspects like level of satisfaction, motivation for study, self-study inclination, better understanding etc. were positively conveyed by the female students. The students from rural area seemed to lack motivation for study, self-study inclination, better understanding etc. more compared to those from urban area. Further, it is revealed that online system led to more inclination towards self-study and enhanced level of understanding. But decrease in motivation for study and lack of interaction with the teachers were common responses of the students.