Exploring Online Learning Realities and Effects on Students’ Academic Performance: Case of Master1 Students at Oran1 University, Algeria

Abstract

Abstract: It is no coincidence that online learning is gaining a widespread attention and support and continues to blossom on a daily basis more importantly in post-covid era. In the course of the past few years, many educators have realized the many ways in which online learning has transformed the face of learning as the shift from traditional to virtual classrooms and environments has given birth to a galaxy of new paradigms in academic contexts that are worthy of consideration. Indeed, significant ramifications have been brought to the fore as a result of online learning integration and cannot go unnoticed due to their weighty effect on students’ academic performance. The latter has deteriorated since the very first waves of the pandemic. This study seeks to investigate online learning realities and issues as an emerging techno-trend from both students and teachers’ perspectives. To better explore the study objectives, a case study was conducted at Oran1 University (Algeria) in which a mixed-methods strategy was adopted incorporating two divergent research instruments (survey and interviews) to gain quantitative and qualitative insights. The sample population constituted of 65 Master1 students and 06 teachers, all operating at the same institution. The main findings revealed that the e-learning journey is marked by instability, low academic performance and passive self-regulation. The paper suggests a set of recommendations that align with the study findings. Keywords: Online Learning, Post-Covid Era, Academic Performance, Virtual Environments, Challenges