Cultural Barriers and Gender Differences: A Qualitative Study of Issues Associated with Online Education in Pakistan

  • Amara Ikram Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
  • Farhan Navid Yousaf Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
  • Rizwan Safdar Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36261/ijdeel.v6i2.1867

Abstract

COVID-19 has emerged as a disaster for people around the globe. Consequently, it has changed the way we live and do things in our everyday lives. This study analyzes the experiences of online education of university students during COVID-19 pandemic. It further explores the ways in which gender effects the online education of the students. The study was conducted in four conveniently selected universities of Lahore, Punjab. In-depths interviews were conducted with 16 research participants and data were analyzed by employing thematic analysis approach. The study found that students, particularly females, were facing loads of hurdles in attending online classes, including non-availability or frequent disconnection of internet, electricity load shading, lack of knowledge about using technology for online education, and time management. This study not only presents lived experiences of students but also suggests some constructive measures to address and curtail the challenges that are being faced by students during online education.

Author Biographies

Amara Ikram, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore

M.Phil. Student

Farhan Navid Yousaf, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Associate Professor

Rizwan Safdar, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Assistant Professor

Published
2021-07-01
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2021): International Journal of Distance Education and E-Learning (IJDEEL)
Section
Peer-Reviewed Articles

© By Department of Education (Directorate of Distance Education) International Islamic University Islamabad. IJDEEL by International Islamic University Islamabad is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.iiu.edu.pk.  All articles published by IJDEEL are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial 4.0 International License . This permits anyone to copy, redistribute, transmit and adapt the work provided the original work and source is appropriately cited as specified by the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.