Benefits and Barriers of the E-learning Experience for Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nearly four years elapsed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the pandemic outbreak in Iran and the consequent closure of educational institutions, a shift to virtual learning was adopted nationwide. This study examines the dual nature of the educational system's shift to virtual space, analyzing both the opportunities and challenges presented during the pandemic. 

Methods and Data: 

This study employed a qualitative approach, based on the grounded theory, and used semi-structured interviews for data collection. The targeted population of the research included two junior high schools within Qods township, Tehran province. Data gathering proceeded through purposive sampling and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.

The study revealed several challenges to virtual education, including 'inadequate virtual infrastructure', 'insufficient student supervision in virtual classrooms', 'student disparities', 'academic underachievement', 'psychological insecurity', 'diminished student motivation', and 'rising instances of depression and social isolation'. Conversely, the research identified key opportunities such as 'enhanced media literacy', 'global cultural exposure', and 'the extensive adoption of virtual learning by educational institutions'.

The findings suggest that while the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the educational skills and experiences of all beneficiaries, it has simultaneously led to physical and psychological harm, educational failure, and professional exhaustion. The primary policy recommendation is to acknowledge and promote the advantages of virtual education, while reducing its weaknesses to enhance educational justice within the country.  

Key Message: 

With careful planning and resource management, virtual education can complement traditional classroom learning by overcoming time and space barriers, promoting justice in education. It allows for the lessons of expert teachers to be recorded and revisited by students, thus improving overall learning accessibility and opportunities.