Experiences and Challenges in Learning of Civil Engineering Materials (CEM) Course during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Civil Engineering Society (CES) Students

Abstract

The COVID-19 disease has created the largest disruption in human history, affecting all sectors especially educational systems. Closure of schools, universities, and other educational premises due to pandemic has forced higher education and researchers to create a new alternative way on how to alleviate this problem. E-learning and online instructions is one of the most notable methods that is highly recommended during this pandemic. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the experiences and challenges in learning Civil Engineering Materials (CEM) during COVID-19 pandemic among Civil Engineering Studies (CES). This quantitative study data was conducted to 159 students who enrolled in the CEM course. The student’s experiences and challenges while undergoing online learning sessions and how the students can adapt to the CEM course with the new learning environment is the main concern of this study. The result showed that most of the students had a variety of problems such as internet access, discomfort, and inappropriate places to complete the required assessment. Whilst facing the risk of loss of enthusiasm in learning, lack of focus and lack of communication skills between the teaching staff and friends.