Title: The impact of the learning shift during COVID-19 on students using natural language processing

Authors: Hadil Shaiba; Maya John

Addresses: Department of Computer Sciences, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ' Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645, India

Abstract: On 9th March 2020, Saudi Arabia has proclaimed the temporary transition to remote learning due to COVID-19. We underline students' perspectives on this abrupt transformation. We generate a word cloud based on the students' responses concerning the rapid transition. The feedback based on emotions was classified and a word cloud for each emotion was generated. For better decision making and improved strategies, we highlight the major problems and benefits of remote learning and provide some recommendations. Students have experienced a variety of hurdles, including the lack of an adequate study environment and technical difficulties, particularly when taking exams. Many were under psychological pressure. Others saw an increase in cheating. Some struggled to work with their peers on group projects, some sought tutoring, and others faced financial difficulties. Online practical sessions were found to be unsuitable for some disciplines. The flexibility of learning and saving money and time were the main advantages of remote learning.

Keywords: NLP; sentiment analysis; COVID-19; blended learning; remote learning; education; word cloud; Saudi Arabia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2023.130113

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2023 Vol.15 No.2, pp.195 - 214

Received: 13 Mar 2022
Accepted: 11 May 2022
Published online: 05 Apr 2023 *

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