The Perceptions of University Students on Virtual Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The current technological developments permit engagement of numerous ways to design online content. It is crucial to consider the favorites and perceptions of learners while designing the online developments to make the learning effective and efficient. Preference of the learner is related to the readiness or preparedness ss of the student to take part in two-way learning and the causes prompting the readiness for virtual learning. The term ‘perception’ in this study highlights various views and concerns of university students on online learning. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the perception on e-learning among university students in Sri Lanka using both undergraduate and Postgraduate students from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL). Primary data were gathered by distributing a well-structured questionnaire which comprised both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Around 175 questionnaires were sent to both undergraduate students and postgraduate students who are following various courses in SUSL with the help of email and social media platforms and gathered 125 responses that can be used for this study. Convenience sampling techniques have been used to select the sample and gathered data have been analyzed qualitatively following thematic analysis. As the result different perspectives on online learning have been investigated and presented descriptively. This study is relevant for the academics as it facilitates them in gaining an understanding of the university students’ opinions towards online learning in this pandemic situation. Recommended strategies will also be beneficial for academics to make the online sessions effective and interactive.