Abstract:
Online learning has now become a main pillar that supports Sri Lankan higher education systems.
The transformation of conventional learning methods to online learning methods gained
rapid momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the constraints and health guidelines
issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to COVID-19, almost all educational
institutions rapidly turned to digital platforms to continue academic activities. However,
what began as a necessity soon rooted in the higher education system due to its advantages.
However, this transformation is not without challenges. In a developing country like Sri Lanka,
lack of resources and infrastructures constrains the seamless implementation of online learning
systems, leading to many challenges. While there are several major challenges, this study
primarily investigates how technological challenges shape students’ online learning behaviour,
while also examining how personal factors and student expectations influence the overall learning
experience. The data for this study were collected by a closed-ended questionnaire that was
distributed among 360 students in a higher education institute in Sri Lanka. The analysis of the
study provided vivid insights to understand the extent how which these factors affect students’
online learning experience. The descriptive analysis revealed that 74% of the students reported
these challenges had affected their academic performance. Around 95% of the respondents have
stated that technical challenges affected their satisfaction level. Moreover, around 93% of the
students have felt that facing these challenges has made them feel frustrated and stressed. The
study also indicated that personal factors, when combined with technical barriers further, diminish
the quality of online education. In addition, students also expressed strong expectations for
institutional support to help them overcome these challenges, particularly guidance and assistance
when dealing with technical issues associated with the online learning platform. Hence,
addressing these needs is not merely a matter of convenience but a step toward enhancing the
quality of higher education online learning. By highlighting technological and related influencing
factors, the study aims to improve the existing online learning platforms and strengthen the
effectiveness of the Sri Lankan higher education system.
