IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND VIRTUAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED SCHOOLS IN EZEAGU, ENUGU STATE

Student: Ogochukwu Favour Igbonekwu
Supervisor: Dr Gladys Charles Ogan
Co-Supervisor: Dr Chidinma Ezinne Abe
HOD: Prof Lois Nkechi Abraham
Department of Curriculum Studies
Education
University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

This study examined the impact of COVID-19 and virtual learning on students’ academic performance in selected schools in Ezeagu, Enugu State. The outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted conventional classroom learning, prompting a shift to virtual learning platforms. The study aimed to assess how this transition affected students’ engagement, learning outcomes, and overall academic achievement. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from both students and teachers using structured questionnaires. The results revealed that while virtual learning provided continuity in education during the pandemic, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate digital devices, and limited teacher-student interaction negatively influenced academic performance. The study recommends improved digital infrastructure, teacher training, and equitable access to learning technologies to enhance the effectiveness of virtual learning in future educational disruptions.

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