STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SINDH

Abstract

This study purposes to understand the perceptions and experiences regarding online learning of the 9th Grade students from the public schools of Sindh enrolled under the Aga Khan University Examination Board using qualitative methods. With the help of semi-structured interviews conducted with a total of 20 students, this research intends to assess the impact of online platforms on learners’ academic engagements with their instructors and fellow learners, on operational outcomes in a resource-constrained environment, and the challenges and possibilities that these platforms present. The findings of the research suggest that students are able to access content and control the pace of their learning; however, barriers such as poor internet access, lack of adequate technical assistance, minimal teacher supervision, and low motivation inhibit learning. Nonetheless, the unrestricted access to a variety of educational resources, including YouTube, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp, demonstrates the potential to significantly enhance learning outcomes when such platforms are utilized strategically. The findings have been shown to aid policymakers, teachers, and developers of digital education tools aimed at enhancing online learning, particularly for marginalized populations in Pakistan.