Technological challenges and influencing factors in online learning at a higher education institute in Sri Lanka

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.