3 research outputs found
Critical factors influencing online learning effectiveness: Insights from a local university
No full textThis research evaluates student attitudes and perceptions towards online learning at a local institution in Fiji using critical success factors (CSFs), (1) student characteristics, (2) teacher characteristics, (3) learning environment and instructional design, and (4) support. Data was collected using quantitative research methodology. A validated online questionnaire was disseminated to the students and 436 students participated voluntarily. Once the data was collected, appropriate analysis was performed to evaluate the findings. The results indicated that the students perceived the four CSFs as influencing the success of online learning. Student characteristics, such as digital literacy, teacher characteristics, instant feedback, the quality and design of the learning environment, and institutional support were important for effective online learning. Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the four CSFs. Evaluating critical success factors from the student perspective is essential for educational providers to gauge the effectiveness of the teaching and learning processes and improve them in the future. Educational institutions can leverage the CSFs identified in this study to assess the effectiveness of their online delivery and develop strategies to enhance the quality of online learning and teaching
Attitudes and awareness of regional Pacific Island students towards e-learning
No full textThe rise of online modes of content delivery, termed e-learning, has increased student convenience and provided geographically remote students with more options for tertiary education. However, its efficacy relies upon student access to suitable technology and the internet, and the quality of the online course material. With the COVID-19 outbreak, education providers worldwide were forced to turn to e-learning to retain their student base and allow them to continue learning through the pandemic. However, in geographically remote, developing nations, many students may not have access to suitable technology or internet connections. Hence it is important to understand the potential of e-learning to maintain equitable access to education in such situations. This study found the majority (88%) of commencing students at the University of the South Pacific owned at least one ICT device and had access to the internet. Similarly, most students had adequate to strong ICT skills and a positive attitude toward e-learning. These attitudes among the student cohort, in conjunction with the previous experience of The University of the South Pacific in distance education, are likely to have contributed to its relatively successful transition from face-to-face to online learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
