Name: Nafisa Jindal & Vani Parwez
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Vol-16, Issue-2, Year-2026 (July-December)
Page Number: 43-55
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21509027

ABSTRACT
The rapid expansion of online education has transformed teaching-learning practices across educational institutions worldwide. While online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents several challenges that influence students' learning experiences and academic engagement. The present study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive scale for measuring secondary school students' perceptions and challenges of online education. The scale development process followed a systematic mixed-method approach. Initially, qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 secondary school students, comprising 10 students from government schools and 10 students from private schools in Patiala District, Punjab. Thematic analysis of interview data identified five key dimensions: Technical Challenges, Health and Psychological Issues, Support Services and Communication, Cost Related Issues, and Quality of Teaching and Learning. Based on these themes and an extensive review o