EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS AND VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS: A MIXED-METHODS ANALYSIS
Shahida Yousaf1, Lubna Qutab1, Dr.Muhammad Imran*1, Dr. Muhammad Imran Yousuf1,
- Department of Education, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
*Corresponding author
Abstract:
This study investigates the effectiveness of online learning platforms and virtual classrooms using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of academic performance metrics with qualitative insights from student feedback and engagement patterns. The research spans diverse educational levels and disciplines, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impact of digital learning. The literature review provides a historical context and theoretical frameworks surrounding online education, emphasizing the evolution of e-learning platforms and the need for adaptability in pedagogical practices. Focusing on high school students in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, the study employs a robust mixed-methods design, including mental health indicators, well-being measures, and the school’s support system as potential mediators in the relationship between online learning, mental health, and academic performance. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between mental health, emotional well-being, and academic performance, with anxiety emerging as a powerful predictor. The inclusion of the school’s support system as a mediator underscores the role of the educational environment in mitigating the impact of mental health challenges on academic success. This study contributes actionable insights for educational stakeholders, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between mental health and academic performance and urging a holistic approach to student well-being in online learning environments.
Keywords: online learning, virtual classrooms, academic performance, mental health, well-being, mixed-methods analysis, e-learning platforms, student engagement, educational technology, digital education.