Empowering Online Methods of Student-Teacher Communication: The Opportunities and Challenges of Web-Based Technologies and Social Media During COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

The use of web-based technologies and social media to enhance student-teacher communication is a growing trend in education in recent times. After the COVID 19 pandemic, the worldwide network has been widely used and the infrastructure for information quickly developed. This study aims to explore the perceptions of teachers and students about the use of web and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic at postgraduate level. Firstly, this study employs a questionnaire to examine student perception about uses of web-based technologies and social media. Data were collected from 500 students from different departments at the universities. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 teachers. The findings indicate that the social media are revolutionizing communication systems and are helpful in on-line classes, with collaborative work and research coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study recommended extensive use of webs and social media for efficient communication between teachers and students.