Impact of Online Education on Students in Public and Private Universities Bangladesh: A Qualitative Investigation

The rapid growth of technology has accelerated the broad acceptance of online learning, which provides accessibility, customization, and cost-effectiveness. In Bangladesh, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent heat wave prompted educational institutions to quickly migrate to online platforms. This study compares the effectiveness of online education at public and private universities in Khulna, concentrating on discernible disparities and their effects on academic and future career prospects. Restricted opportunities theory underpinned the study which is qualitative in nature. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct the study where 16 purposefully selected participants from four public and private universities were interviewed. Data collected from the in-depth interviews (IDIs) were transcribed, translated and analyzed thematically. The study findings revealed differences in access to high-speed internet, devices, and financial aid, with public university students having greater problems. Furthermore, public university students lag behind their private counterparts in terms of academic performance and potential employment opportunities. This research suggests the importance of policy improvements and structural changes within educational institutions to promote fair access and opportunities in the digital learning ecosystem.