THE LASTING IMPACT OF COVID-19 ONLINE EDUCATION ON COLLEGE STUDENT FRUSTRATION, IMPATIENCE, AND ENROLLMENT TRENDS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an abrupt transition to online education, disrupting the traditional collegiate experience and presenting multifaceted challenges for students, faculty, and administrators. This article examines the impact of the pandemic-induced shift to online learning on college students, focusing on their well-being, academic performance, and future educational plans. A comprehensive review of existing literature reveals heightened frustration and impatience among students due to technical difculties, reduced interaction, increased workload, inadequate support, and challenging home learning environments. These factors have contributed to a decline in student satisfaction and engagement, as well as exacerbated mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, enrollment trends indicate an increase in student decisions to stop out, inuenced by nancial concerns, mental health struggles, and the desire for a more conventional college experience. The article concludes with a discussion on the implications for the future of higher education, emphasizing the need for institutions to adapt by investing in robust online infrastructure, expanding mental health resources, and fostering community. Strategies for improving student engagement and success in post-pandemic education include the implementation of hybrid learning models, enhanced faculty training, and comprehensive student support services. The ndings suggest that by embracing a student-centered approach and learning from this experience, higher education can better prepare students for future disruptions and ensure a more resilient academic environment.