Perceptions of Secondary Students on Online Learning during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

The pandemic has impacted every sector of society, including education. The effects of the pandemic were harsh on the lower socioeconomic class, as they did not have access to private tutors or online learning resources during the lockdown period. While upper-middle-class and lower-middle-class families managed to use online learning resources, the education of children from the lower socioeconomic class suffered. To better understand the impact on these students, a qualitative study was conducted in India, using semi-structured interviews to gather data from 25 students in grades 9-12. The study revealed three themes: the impact of online learning on the mental health and education of students, barriers to online learning, and preferred modes of learning. Due to the limited availability of online learning resources, students were not able to cope with their studies, which adversely impacted their mental health. To ensure that underprivileged children are included in future lockdowns or similar situations, authorities should provide financial assistance and smart devices for their education. Keywords: secondary students, online learning, education, lower socioeconomic class DOI: 10.7176/NCS/15-02 Publication date: February 28th 2025