CHALLENGES OF E-LEARNING IN PAKISTAN FROM STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

E-learning is an emerging trend which is promoting technological advancement in creating new
knowledge and to spread information and ideas. Keeping in view the current tech-era, its bright
future can easily be predicted and it can be suggested that e-learning will be the basic means of
getting education for the next generation. But with any advancement there comes some drawbacks.
This study aims at exploring the challenges a student face during the process of e-learning. This
qualitative research tries to find out the major issues that create hurdles in effective learning
process. Semi-structured interviews conducted with students having experience of e-learning. The
result shows that students take e-learning as an empowerment given to them to enhance their
educational capabilities. It provides access to information at their own pace with cost effectiveness
to help them in being multi-skilled & multi-tasking. Study also reveals that for students it is difficult
to maintain their focus, concentration and interest on serious learning portals due to over flow of
information & entertaining stuff available on internet at the same time. Also the internet penetration
in the country restricts a major population to get benefit from it. Students sometimes find it difficult
to continue their learning due to the absence of face to face interaction. The results suggest that the
curriculum devised for online learning should be interesting & attention catching so students do not
get bored and are not distracted. Further, the more internet penetration will increase; the more
students can get benefit from it.