Perception, burden and satisfaction of parents of children attending online classes during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus has spread havoc globally, resulting in the closure of all sectors including education. Therefore, to continue a child’s learning, the government started online classes from home by involving parents. This new learning method might be hectic and challenging for parents; therefore, this study aimed to assess the perception, burden, and satisfaction of parents of children attending online classes. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in three schools of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. A total of 220 parents of children attending online classes and studying between first and fifth standard responded voluntarily. Google Form was used to assess perception, burden, and satisfaction regarding online classes and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of parents was 34.1 ± 5 years, and most of the respondents were mothers. Out of 220 parents, 52% showed negative perception, 42% experienced moderate to severe burden, and 51% were highly satisfied with the online classes during COVID-19 lockdown. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation between perception andsatisfaction of parents (P = 0.000, r = 0.616 *). Parental role and preferred teaching method had a significant association with parental perception (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The app used and preferred teaching method during the pandemic had a significant association with parental satisfaction regarding online classes (p < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Parents had negative perception and experienced moderate to severe burden concerning online classes. At the same time, they were highly satisfied with achieving educational objectives to some extent during the COVID-19 pandemic.