CHAPTER 1

Virtual learning a challenge on LUCT Students

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background
Virtual learning is a learning experience that is enhanced through utilizing computers
and internet both inside and outside the facilities of the educational organization. The
instructions take place in an online environment.

According to Limkokwing University of creative technology virtual learning is defined as

the process whereby learners of the institution take online lessons via an application
that was created which is known as Google classroom. Online lessons were
implemented through creation of students email address. Content of the email address
was taken from the student numbers of the different pupils. This is what students use
to enter into their Google classroom in order to receive and send assignment and also
communicate to their various lecturers.

Virtual learning was implemented in the university to COVID-19. It was also to inspire
lectures and students to be flexible the learning pace, which is setting a schedule that
fits everyone agenda. It also allows student to be more advanced and educated about
improvement in technology which is used in 4 th industrialisation that is taking place
across the world.

This topic will investigate the challenges of virtual learning on Limkokwing University of
creative technology students. It will focus on the problems that they are facing on
online learning and solutions to this problem may be developed.

1.3 Problem statement

Traditional learning system was the only educating system that was used, however due
to COVID-19 a change had to be adapted in order to comply the rules, regulations and
policies set by the government. So with virtual learning in the institution, there is an
increasing concern over students who are constantly being notified to have missing
assessments in their various Google classes and those with issues in accessing the
platform which could result into failing if not attend urgently and some of them do not
even receive the work due the Google classroom forms.

1.4 Purpose of the study

This study is set to uncover factors underlying the observed increase in stress on
student cause by the virtual learning complications on LUCT students. In additions the
purpose of the study is to also find out solutions and recommendations that can be
given to the management in order to improve the new system of virtual learning to
students.

1.5 research objectives

 To establish the areas in the virtual program that source the implication which
cause the stress

 To establish the factors underlying the implication of virtual learning

 To determine the virtual learning complication rate at LUCT

1.6 Research questions

 Learning style and cultural challenges students face?

 What are the material challenges students face?
 What are technological challenges students face?
 To determine challenges students have regarding time?
 What strategies that can be used to improve the system of virtual learning?

1.7 significance of the study

To uncover and address the issues surrounding the recently adopted virtual learning
program at LUCT, to provide a progressive, fair online learning process at LUCT for the
students, enrolling at the institutions.

Conclusion
 CHAPTER 2
Literature review
2.1 introduction
According to [ CITATION Law16 \l 2057 ] Literature review is a comprehensive summary of
previous research topic. The literature review survey’s scholarly articles, books and
other sources relevant to a particular area of research

2.2 Concepts of virtual learning

The explosion of the knowledge age has changed the context of what is learnt and how
it is learnt- concept of virtual learning environment is a manifestation of what of this
knowledge revolution. According to…..Virtual learning is a learning experience that is
enhanced through utilizing computers and internet both outside and inside facilities of
the educational background, learning and teaching activities takes place are carried out
online whereby the teacher and learners are physically separated.

2.3Objectives of virtual learning

2.4Challenges of virtual learning

Adaptability- students find it difficult to adapt to an online learning environment

immediately after direct learning. Due to this sudden change they are not able to adapt
to computer based learning as they had been always studying in traditional classroom
mind set are not able to focus online platforms

Technical issues- many students are not well equipped with a higher internet
connection that is needed for online learning. Due to this many face problems in going
live for virtual and other platforms of learning that require the internet, the may
sometimes be unaware of any technology and computer applications.
Time management- students find it difficult to manage their tie with online learning.
They need a scheduled planner to manage their time in an effective manner. Even
though it is more flexible than traditional learning classrooms, some still face difficulties
in adjusting the time required for online learning.

2.5Student’s perception on virtual learning

Virtual learning has been tough for most students here at limkokwing. Transferring to
online learning has been the biggest challenge. Students tend to be less focused in their
school work. Being in a physical classroom is tremendously different from learning in
class. Other feel that most of their most of their focus is in a classroom unlike virtually,
the temptation are there but it all bout self- discipline. According to…. Virtual learning
has affected students because the find themselves turning in assignments weeks late.
This is no due because of that the student is lazy or having trouble, it is due to the fact
that they lack motivation and sometimes may not have the energy to do them.

In addition other student’s opinions is that home is not a learning environment. They
feel like it’s very hard to be prepared because they are always distracted, whereas
when they are in classroom, they feel prepared to learn and get their pumped up with
information. However other students’ opinions on virtual learning are positive. They find
it quite interesting experience because they now have more time to talk, call and text
family members and some friends.

2.6Benefits of virtual learning

Efficiency

Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online
learning has a number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts and teachers can use all
these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond textbooks
to include online resources, teachers are able to become more efficient educators.

Accessibility of time and place

Another advantage of online education is that it allows students to attend classes from
any location of their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more extensive
network of students, instead of being restricted by geographical boundaries.
Additionally online lecturers can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference.
This allows students to access learning material at a time of their comfort. Thus online
learning offers students the accessibility of time and place in education.

Affordability

Online learning education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. This
is because online learning eliminated the cost points of student transportation, students’
meals and most importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study materials
are available online, thus creating a paperless learning environment which is more
affordable, while also being beneficial to the environment.

Suit a Variety of learning styles

Every student has a different learning journey and different learning styles. Some
students are visual learners, while some students prefer to learn through audios.
Similarly, some students thrive in the classroom, other are solo learners who get
distracted by large groups. This reduces the chance of students missing out on lessons.

2.7 Drawbacks

Teacher’s training

Online learning requires teachers to have basic understanding of using digital forms of
learning however, this is not the case always. Very often, teachers have a very basic
understanding of technology. Sometimes, they don’t even have the necessary resources
and tools to conduct online classes. To combat this, it is important for schools to invest
training teachers with the latest technology updates so that they can conduct their
classes seamlessly

Manage Screen Time

Many parents and students are concerned about the health hazard of having their
children spend so many hours staring at a screen. This increase in screen time is one of
the biggest concerns and disadvantage of online learning. Sometimes students also
develop bad posture and other physical problems due to staying hunched in front of a
screen. A good solution to this would be to give student plenty of breaks from the
screen to refresh their mind and their body.

Inability to focus on screens

For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle with
focusing on the screen for long period of time. With online learning, there is also a
greater chance for students to be easily distracted by social media or other sites.
Therefore, it is imperative for teachers for the teachers to keep their online classes
crisp, engaging and interactive to help students stay focused on lessons.

2.7 Effectiveness of virtual learning

2.8 Conceptual framework

2.9 Comparison between virtual learning and traditional learning

2.10 Conclusion

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Research methodology is the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select,

process and analyse information about a topic. The methodology section allows the
research to critically evaluate a study’s overall validity and reliability [ CITATION CRK85 \l
2057 ].

3.2 Research designs

According to……The research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to
integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby,
ensuring you will effectively address the research problem. It is the blueprint for the
collection, measurement, and analysis of data. It also outlines procedures for every
research activity which ensures that the research is reliable and valid. There are 3
classes of research designs, which are qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.

3.2.1 Qualitative research design

Qualitative research design is a research used to answer questions about the nature of
a phenomenon, ideally it is with the purpose of describing and understanding a fact or
situation from the respondent side. It focuses on collecting information from a smaller
number of respondents using opened or close ended questions. It allows respondents
to answer freely and they refer to participants. A number of research designs under
qualitative approach includes case study, phenomenology, and ethnography

3.2.2 Quantitative research design

It is used to answer questions about relationships between measured variables with the
purpose of explaining, predicting and controlling a situation. It focuses on the collecting
data from large number of respondents. It requires structured questions to be
answered and uses numbers and statistical analysis. Research designs under qualitative
methods include experimental and non-experimental approaches. The non-experimental
approach includes descriptive design, longitudinal design and correlation design. On the
other hand, the experimental approach includes the True experimental design and the
quasi experimental design

3.2.3Mixed method research design

Mixed method is a type of research design that in which the researcher or team
combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approach. For example the
use of qualitative and quantitative view points, data collection, analysis and other
techniques for the purpose of breadth and depth of understanding of research topic
REF. research designs under this method are concurrent triangulation, concurrent
nested, concurrent transformative, sequential explanatory, sequential exploratory, and
concurrent transformative.

3.3 Chosen research design

The research design that will be applied on this research topic will be the qualitative
research design because of time limitation of the research given the total population of
the students in the campus, it is viable and easy to give them choices and collect
statistical data from their responses on the relative answers they have selected. To
further justify the choice of design is the fact that we are also students in the same
campus so we are aware of most of the problems students face so the goal is to isolate
and verify the challenges that affect a higher percentage of the population.

3.4 Sampling strategy

 A sample is defined as a smaller set of data that a researcher chooses or selects from
a larger population by using a pre-defined selection method. Sampling is divided into
two categories, which are profitability and non- profitability sampling.

Probability Sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being in the sample.

Types of probability sampling techniques:

 Simple Random Sampling- you put all the population elements together and
select your sample.
 Systematic sampling- you follow a specific system for selecting your sampling
units.
 Stratified sampling- divide the population into subgroups or strata’s with similar
characteristics. Use simple random selection to pick your sampling units from the
strata’s.

Proportional stratified- is when the number of sample units is proportional to the size of
the strata.

Disproportional stratified sample- is when the number of the sample units is not
proportionate to the size of the strata but is determined by analytical considerations
such as the differences in the strata’s.

 Cluster sampling- the primary sampling unit is not the individual element in the
population but a large cluster of elements that is selected randomly.
 Multi stage area sampling- uses a combination of two or more probability
sampling procedures.

Non probability sampling

In this sampling technique the probability of any particular member of the population is
unknown. The selection of sampling units relies heavily on personal judgment.

Types of non-probability sampling:

 Convenience sampling- (also known as haphazard or accidental sampling) where

sample consists of sampling units that most conveniently available.
  Judgmental sampling- an experience someone selects the sample based on
his/her judgment about some appropriate characteristics required of the sample
members.
 Quota sampling- the interviewer or data collector or enumerator has a quota to
achieve. The purpose of quota sampling is to ensure that the various subgroups
in a population are represented on pertinent sample characteristics to the exact
extent that the investigator desire.
 Snowball sampling- refers to various sampling procedures in which initial
respondents are selected by probability methods and then additional respondents
are obtained through information provided by the initial respondents.
 Internet sampling- use in internet surveys where the sample is anyone who visits
the webpage and is willing to participate or respond to the questions ( volunteer
respondents)

The sample technique that will be used is non profitability sampling which is where the
probability of member of the population being chosen is unknown. Under non
profitability sampling we are to use the judgmental sample (purposive), this is when the
researcher select the sample based on his or her judgment about some appropriate
characteristics required of the sample members even though it does not provide a fully
representative sample. The strategy that is to be used is the selection of students’
representative of each class in the different faculties.

3.5 Primary data collection instrument

A questionnaire is set of printed or written questions with a choice of answers, devised

for the purposes of a survey or statistical study. The use of questionnaires to collect
primary data will fit the research which will be a set of questions that we believe will
achieve the objective of the research. Questions will be answered on a specific day
which will be chosen. The questionnaire will be pre-tested prior to full scale data
collection which will allow the research to test capability of the tool to collect relevant
data and test the time it will take for one questionnaire.

3.6 Research approach and method

For these research, it was approached using a qualitative research method, with some
qualitative elements applied in this study, the aim of the study is to address the relative
challenges faced by students in LUCT and isolate those that affect most of the students
and their learning progress. The qualitative elements involves verifying the
phenomenon in highlighting the situation faced by the students in LUCT using the
phenomenology research design.

The research participants that forms the research population are students selected from
all the respective campus faculties that are available in institution, selecting all the
student representatives of all the classes in different courses. To justify the choice of
participants, the class representative will produce fair results of the findings because it
is by practice that whenever students have challenges they communicate their
challenges through their representatives thus they ought to know almost all the
challenges faced by all the students.

3.7 Justification

3.8 Population

Population refers to the entire group that you want to draw conclusion about with a
specialized set of characteristics.

Target population is the entire group of people or objects to which the researcher
wishes to generalize the study findings.

In this case, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is the population where the
study is conducted with the research target population being the students of the
institution.
3.9 Data Collection Method

There are different data collection methods can be used to collect data which include
primary data collection tools:

Interviews

This include an interviewer having discussions with an interviewee. Interviews can be

face to face, telephone calls and focus group.

Advantages

 It provides flexibility to the interviewers.

 The interviewer has a better response rate than mailed questions, and the
people who cannot read and write can also answer the questions.
 The interviewer can judge the non-verbal behavior of the respondent.
 The interviewer can control over the order of the question, as in the
questionnaire, and can judge the spontaneity of the respondent as well.

Disadvantages

 Conducting interview studies can be very costly as well as very time consuming.
 An interview can cause biases.
 Interview studies provide less anonymity, which is big concern for many
respondents
 There is lack of accessibility to respondents since the respondents can be in
around any corner of the world or country.

Questionnaires

This is a set of questions that are believed will achieve the objectives of the research.
Questionnaire can generate both qualitative and quantitative data. It must be pre-
tested prior to full scale data collection.

Advantages

 Cheaper to administer.
  Quicker to administer.
 No interviewer influence.
 No interviewer variability in the asking of questions.
 Convenient to respondents.

Disadvantages

 No one to clarify questions that are not easy to understand.

 Cannot probe.
 Cannot prompt.
 Respondents are able to read the whole questionnaire before answering the first
one.
 Not sure of the respondent.
 Researcher is not able to collect additional information.
 Difficult to ask a lot of questions.
 Greater risk of missing data.
 Lower response rate.

Observations

It is normally when the researcher observe participates in the field of study. Very good
to generate qualitative data. There are four observation methods the researcher can
use;

Disguised observation- researcher subjects are not aware that they are observed

Undisguised observation- researcher subjects are aware that they are being
investigated.

Participant observation- researcher interacts with and is part of the group being
investigated, either disguised or undisguised.

Non-participant- researcher does not interact with research participant.

Advantages
  Simplest method.
 Greater accuracy.
 Independent of people’s willingness to report.
 Observations are cost effective and produce valid results.

Disadvantages

 Some of the occurrences may not be open to observation.

 Not all occurrences lend themselves to observational study.
 Time consuming and may involve large amount of inactivity.

Secondary Data Collection Method

It is the data that was collected by other researchers or individuals for purposes other
than the problem at hand [ CITATION Gid14 \l 1033 ]. Secondary data can be sourced from;
periodic reports, promotional material, company documents, research reports, journal
articles, newspapers, and case studies.

Advantages of secondary data

 Secondary data is available from other sources and may already have been used
previous research, so making it easier to carry out further research.
 It is time saving and cost effective.
 Can provide larger and higher quality databases.

Disadvantages

 The data may be out of date or accurate.

 If using data collected for different research purposes, it may not cover those
samples of the population researchers want examine.
 Administrative data, which is not originally collected for research, may not be
available in the usual research formats or may be difficult to get access to.
Primary and secondary data was used, primary data being information directly from the
source while secondary data is information not from the source. The data was collected
as follows:

 Questionnaires- were sent especially to primary sources of data and the

questionnaires were of a closed type question for ease of analysis.
 Consultations were conducted with sources of secondary data as well as other
sources of primary data where the researcher felt the need.
 Secondary data was sourced from the internet as well as from the LEAP.

3.10 Data analysis

Questionnaire

Learning style and cultural challenges students face?

A. Concentration
B. Understanding
C. Consulting

What are the material challenges students face?

On a scale of 1-5 rate the materials

Materials 1 2 3 4 5

Gadget

Network

Data

Do you have any challenges with using the Google classroom?

Yes

No
Ability to finish work in time on the platform?
1
2
3
4
Strategies that can be used to improve the system?

______________________________________________________________________
Index
Poor (1)
Satisfactory (2)
Average (3)
Excellent (4)

3.11 Ethical considerations