If we can not do classes, we will face great loss”: the experience of university students from remote areas of Bangladesh during COVID-19

Abstract

This research, a qualitative study in nature, has explored how effective online classes there have been for the remote tertiary students of Bangladesh amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the importance of online classes at tertiary level during pandemic and its relation with remote students, it particularly emphasizes on the predicaments, experienced by them and the possibilities, they can think of attending online classes. Adopting the non-probability technique as a sampling method, data has been collected from the remote students of three public and five private universities through interviews and their perceptions are presented as a basis for discussion through thematic analysis. The results illustrate that remote students suffer in attending online classes due to financial crisis, low speed of internet, sufficient power supply, lack of suitable devices, technological knowledge, availability of service centers and adverse family environment. These factors gradually prevent them from understanding content, receiving effective feedback, teachers‟ responses and interacting with teachers. In addition to that, the convenience of time and place, technological advancements and uninterrupted education system due to online classes are documented as the possibilities, students can think of. Finally, opting for a combined education system in near future, this study concludes by suggesting some recommendations for various stakeholders to reshape and redesign online academic activities effectively during any unfavorable or unrest situation in our country.