Educational Platform for Sexuality, for the Project “Red Sentir... Con-Ciencia Juvenil”

Abstract

The goal of this research is to look into how undergraduate students used social media and video apps for online learning during the Covid-19 lockdown. In Andhra Pradesh, online learning is a relatively new phenomenon. Theoretical concepts of Communities of Inquiry (COI) such as cognitive, social and teaching presences were applied to online learning during the pandemic. Survey questionnaire and focus interviews were used to assess online learning. 188 undergraduate students were administered the google forms and 10 undergraduate students provided focus interviews. Using SPSS, crosstabulation and Chi Square tests were done to look for significance. Major findings were that students’ attitude towards critical thinking and triggering debates prove that there is teaching presence. Students were encouraged to question and be critical. 82% approval of students that lecturer possesses knowledge show that students trust teachers as knowledge givers. Lecturers used WhatsApp to share class notes and Zoom app for conducting formal classes. Though one third of the students had lower Internet connectivity, still they were able to connect to their lecturers, though it is a lacuna to be rectified. The lecturers were forced to learn a new paradigm to deal with a new developing context and the lecturers became adequate to the task entrusted to them.