Emergence of Covid-19 and Viability of Remote Learning: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students of Kinnaird College

Abstract

The world has experienced a unique phenomenon since Covid-19 emerged and was declared as global pandemic by World Health organization in March, 2020.Emergence of global pandemic has repercussions on every sphere of life and education is not an exception. Academia continued to experience massive reforms globally amidst lockdown during COVID-19 outbreak. Government of Pakistan also took containment measures in the result of which educational institutes were temporarily closed to avoid spread of virus via physical contact. Kinnaird College for Women took measures to complete 2019–2020 academic year and planned for the alternate platform (MS Teams Software) for remote learning. The challenge of Covid-19 was unexpected therefore the prospective measures were unplanned and uncertain and demanded unusual arrangements to save lives. The purpose of the study is aimed at evaluating the conversion from regular learning methodology to distance learning using digital platforms and its impact on undergraduate students of Kinnaird College. The study was conducted through an online survey of undergraduate students enrolled in various programs of Social Sciences at KCW. The research drew results from the responses on viability of remote learning during pandemic. Data was collected through online survey questionnaire and primary data collected was compiled and analyzed via quantitative method of research. The study identified academic challenges for students and the probable benefits of distance learning, the information could be utilized to enlighten practices that can be implemented during crises situation with reference to higher education.