Students’ satisfaction in onsite versus online teaching and learning: A report on an initial sudden mid-semester switch at the Graduate School of Applied Statistics, NIDA, Thailand
List of Authors
  • Patrawadee Tanawongsuwan

Keyword
  • online teaching, online learning, online courses, virtual classroom

Abstract
  • The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was one of the major events in global history. Extensive beyond any prediction, its effect shook all aspects of the world, reaching all people regardless of age, region and demographic variety. Easily spread by close contact, it automatically forced people to limit their social activities and keep distance. Many countries issued a shelter-in-place order, causing businesses to temporarily lock down. Schools were close and switched to an alternative of online education. Thailand was no exception. At the Graduate School of Applied Statistics (GSAS), National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Thailand, classes were moved online mid-semester. Even though the change was necessary, its suddenness left all parties almost no time to for preparation. Besides, since the School had hardly had online classes before, it was a whole new experience for all taking this initial leap together. In the aspect of quality assurance, the School was committed to providing high quality education to students. At the end of the semester, the School surveyed students’ opinion about onsite versus online learning, reporting results in this paper. The survey covered dimensions, such as, class interaction, class activities, lab training, teaching and learning resources and more. Findings from the survey may be helpful for administrators as well as educators in understanding students and providing a better education.

Reference
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