Students’ Perception of the Significance of Online Learning and its Impact on Academic Performance

Abstract

In Ghana, following the onslaught of the novel corona virus, the president called for an immediate shutting down all schools in March 2020, the Ministry of Education was tasked to roll out distance learning programs to aid in continuation of the academic calendar academic institutions such as GIG rolled out online learning programs. This study aims to explore whether online learning influences communication between instructors and students. To achieve this objective the views of 150 students of GIJ was sought via a closed ended questionnaire using the simple random sampling method. Respondents view on statement that they always have access to course lecturers because of online learning showed respondents were neutral or undecided as to the extent to which virtual learning affects their ability to relate with their course lecture (Mean = 2.92, SD = 1.344). concerning the extent to which online learning has improved their ability to understand topics responses showed that on average, respondents remained neutral or undecided on the statement (Mean = 2.846, SD = 1.384). Finally, most students rate the online learning system of the school as average or poor. This is a rating based on student perception and does not necessarily take into consideration details about the functionality or construction. The study concludes that online education has become the new way of learning and hence the institution must endeavor to harness its full potential. It was recommended that GIJ may need to consider having more physical sessions or classes so that people who are unable to obtain stable internet connections or get proper devices for the online calls can participate in the classes. Also, the online learning system of schools must be continually worked on to improve its functionality so that students can increasingly rely on the system for smooth communication with faculty and administration on academic issues. Finally, schools must also include ICT teaching and practice in their curriculum for all students, given that the success of students on such a system depends on their ability to learn and adopt new technologies and systems.