Assessing Students Perception, Usefulness And Effectiveness Of E-Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic At The University Of Zambia.

Abstract

This research study was conducted to assess students’ perception, usefulness and the effectiveness of E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at the university of Zambia. The research methodology or design used in try to achieve the main object was explorative in nature. It used questionnaires as its data collection tools on a sample size of 100 students at the university. Statistical packaging for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data collected due to research’s quantitative nature. It has revealed that a number of students are familiar with e-learning. This shows that e-learning is not a new thing in the learning system, even so, students

still prefer physical classes over it. This is because of a number of challenges surrounding e- learning in Zambia which include among other, poor connectivity, expensive bundles and lack of

proper devices for accessing. One in the noticeable issue is that of learning institution not allowing students who haven’t finish paying that their tuition fee due to economic challenges having access to e-learning platforms. It was further noted from this study that, the e-learning platform was not very effective in the delivery of lessons and this affected the academic performance of learners. The majority of the Students face a number of challenges in accessing the e-learning platform, some being poor internet connectivity and system failure. The research shows the need for learning institutions to work on the challenges raise if e-learning should be a success story in Zambia and the developing countries at large.