The Effects of Online Learning during the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) towards Grade 10-12 Thai Students’ Opinions

Abstract

This study aimed to study the effects of integrating online learning in schools during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand from mid-March to July 2020. The participants were 508 students consisting of grade 10-12 levels from five different schools in each province of Thailand. The questionnaire employed via “Poll Feature Line Group” was separated into three categories; 1) The general informations of the students, 2) The advantages of online learning, and 3) The limitations of online learning. 508 students gave the feedback by checking the items of the questionnaires via “Poll Feature Line Group”. The researchers took two weeks to complete the survey in October 2020. The results of the questionnaire were calculated into the statistical values in Percentage, Mean Range and Standard Deviation. The results revealed that the majority of the students studying online studied in grade 12 in science-mathematics program, and Thai and English subjects were primarily available online. The most three advantages were – 1) Online learning promotes the social distancing., 2) Online learning helps students save time and cut on expenses especially transport costs., and 3) Students can communicate via various platforms like Line, Email, Facebook, and Google Classroom. On the contrary, the most limitations were – 1) Students have no chance to participate in extracurricular activities in school., 2) The mere presence of a smartphone reduces students' ability to focus on the lessons., and 3) It can be hard to find answers to questions or resolve difficulties, especially when discussion forum participation is low.