The Impact of Virtual Learning on Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes: A Sri Lankan Experience

Abstract

Virtual learning became imperative during the past two years owing to the unexpected impediments faced by the entire world during the Covid-19 pandemic. For most part of this period the study programmes were completed entirely through virtual sessions. Several studies conducted globally during this period bring to light many positive as well as negative aspects of virtual learning. This paper focuses on the impact of virtual learning on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The Bachelor of Arts in German Studies and Master of Arts in Linguistics are the focus of this study covering two academic years. The aim of this study is to review the positive and negative aspects of virtual learning from a student perspective and to explore the possibility of adapting to a blended approach in the future in a post pandemic era. It is also aimed at finding out what percentage of the courses can be conducted virtually. Data obtained through online questionnaires, feedback at the end of each session, teacher views and student performance were analysed to find out the impact of virtual learning. The analysis of data obtained gave similar results in the positive and negative aspects of virtual learning in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes except for the fact that the undergraduates preferred at least 70% of the sessions to be conducted onsite.