May 2025, Volume 3, Issue 5

Author

Sivagami K, Praveen Duraisamy, Nithyapriya C and Jeevithan S

Abstract

Background: Against the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic there was a major shift in the education system. There was a transformation from the routine conventional learning to online mode of education. This study aimed to determine the multifaceted challenges encountered by college students in adapting to online classes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among college students between October and November 2020 in Tamil Nadu. The questionnaire was developed using google forms and disseminated via online platforms owing to Covid-19 restrictions. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS 27. Categorical variables were summarised in the form of frequencies and percentages and continuous variables summarised as mean and standard deviation. Independent t test was used to find the significant association between the students ' perceptions and levels of education. Results: There were 243 study participants. Mean age of the students was 20.58 ±1.61 years. Mean hours spent per day on gadgets was 6.32 ±3.02 hours. The mean of average hours spent in studying is 4.12 ±2.01 hours. 80.2% of the students reported health issues due to online classes. Independent t test showed that students in lower levels of education had difficulties in coping up with online classes, understanding difficulties and felt this would affect their performance. Conclusion: Students faced significant challenges due to technological barriers, lack of social interaction, and difficulty in maintaining motivation and focus. As a result, students grappled with heightened stress levels and academic performance concerns, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions and support systems.