Impact of Covid-19 on university students: a study of perceptions about students’ mental health, attitudes, changes, and students’ life towards online learning with special reference to Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious concerns to Sri Lankan education system, As well as global education system. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic such as a shift to online learning have affected the all University student’s education worldwide. The study explores are the perspective of online studies and also study explores socio psychological impact on university students and about their mental health perceived anxiety and stress and investigate students’ attitude toward online learning. First we administered a series of questionnaire with close ended and open ended questions about student life, student opinion about online learning. Data were collected through questionnaires as we mention above that fully consist to South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Faculty of Arts and Culture approximately of 1200 students. The finding shows that 215 participants of several departments, and all the 4 years’ students gave their opinion to our questionnaire. The results show that 45% don’t have enough technology materials or else a stable internet connection to continue their online studies. 54.4% students are mentally affected by this COVID-19. And also 92.9% students prefer the face to face direct studies. However, lack of attention and focus decreased, motivation to attend lessons and study, limited availability of space at home, distraction from family and having multiple assignments during lockdown were major challenges facing students on online learning