TITLE:
Assessing the Perceptions and Preferences between Online and In-Person Classroom Learning among University Students in Rwanda
AUTHORS:
Gloria Nishimwe, Sam Kamali, Eden Gatesi, Rex Wong
KEYWORDS:
Online Learning, Higher Education, Rwanda, Students, Covid-19
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Service Science and Management,
Vol.15 No.1,
February
21,
2022
ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many schools rapidly rolled out online learning due to school closure or lockdown. This study assessed the online learning experience of 193 students in different universities of Rwanda during COVID-19. The reported main advantages of online learning revolved around the comfortability and self-responsibility in their studies. However, internet access and stability remained the biggest challenges. Respondents reported online learning not stimulating, lacked interactions with other students and with instructors, and they were distracted easily and had difficulty to maintain their discipline. Many students indicated they prefer in-person classes over online learning. Investment to provide students stable internet access and to training instructors to design more interactive and engaging online learning materials according to best practices could improve the students’ online experience. The use of blended online and in-person classroom learning to maximize students learning experiences and outcomes should be explored.