American International Journal of Social Science

The Immediate Impact of COVID 19 on Students during Enforced Distance Learning
Jacqueline Guendouzi, PhD; Holly S. Kihm, PhD, CCLS; Jamie Magee, LCSW-BACS

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the reported perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic on students during enforced distance learning. An author developed 33-question survey was sent via email to all students attending a four-year college during the fifth week of enforced distance learning. 1167 students completed the survey. Seven hundred and thirty seven students (64%) reported the pandemic had negatively impacted their learning, and many shared they experienced heightened anxiety and depression. One third of students reported not liking online courses. Issues with online courses included: technical issues, lack of interaction with faculty and classmates, not enough time to complete assignments, and distractions within the home. Students’ educational experiences were highly disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic. While it is impossible to replicate the in-class experience through online teaching, we owe it to our students to rethink online teaching across programs so that we, as educators, are better prepared to deliver quality education in a variety of formats. However, one positive aspect of the situation reflected in the qualitative responses was the appreciation of increased time to spend with family and more time for self-care and domestic responsibilities (e.g., exercise, home cooking etc.)

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