Exploring Student Perceptions of Online Education in Private Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Noida

Abstract

 The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid shift to online education worldwide presenting both opportunities and challenges. This study explores the perceptions of secondary school students in private institutions in Noida regarding online education aiming to understand their satisfaction levels identify key influencing factors and evaluate the challenges and benefits of this transition. Data were collected from 262 students through a survey and analysed using Spearman's rank correlation. The findings reveal a strong correlation between students access to reliable technology and their positive perceptions of online education highlighting significant barriers such as internet connectivity and device affordability. Furthermore the study shows that the transition to online education has posed more challenges than benefits, particularly in terms of engagement and motivation. These insights highlight the need for improved digital infrastructure comprehensive training for educators and the development of blended learning models. One key recommendation is for policymakers to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure to ensure equitable access to online education thereby enhancing the overall educational experience for students.