Undergraduates’ Future with Virtual Learning Platform: A Legal Analysis in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Advancing the fulfillment of the right to education for all is one of the major challenges today. Millions of children and undergraduates worldwide remain out of school and universities are deficient in educational opportunities as a result of many economic, social and cultural barriers, as well as lack of quality education conditions. Sri Lanka has had the traditional method of teaching in person for decades until Covid 19 pandemic changed the circumstances drastically as virtual learning platforms came in to force after March 2020. As stated in the Global Education Agenda in 2030 by UNESCO it introduced print-based learning, one-way broadcasting like television and radio programs, or social media and learning platforms via web which conducts distance learning and study skills that must be supported by way of new teaching, learning and guidance strategies. Therefore, the problem addressed in this research paper is, the impact of Covid-19 on Sri Lankan undergraduates’ equal educational rights and future challenges. For this study, information was gathered through qualitative and quantitative tools by conducting online surveys among 50 undergraduates. Documentary analysis and thematic analysis methods were mainly used to analyze the data and suggest solutions for online theoretical education. Analysis unveiled the violations of educational rights of the undergraduates under the virtual learning platform and the long-term impact on future employment. Finally, the research concludes providing possible recommendations to protect the educational rights of undergraduates in Sri Lanka.