Examining the Factors Influencing the Online Learning Readiness of Management Undergraduates: A Case of a Sri Lankan State University

Abstract

Despite teacher and student resistance to online teaching and learning, schools and universities intervened with E-learning as an alternative mode of teaching and learning for the new normal. Accordingly, this quantitative study aimed to examine the factors that influence management undergraduates' online learning readiness (OLR) at a selected government-owned university in Sri Lanka. The study's respondents are 477 management undergraduates from the chosen university. The survey strategy was incorporated using an online-based questionnaire in collecting data. The questionnaire's questions about independent variables are all worded positively. In order to measure independent and dependent variables, mainly five-point Likert scale questions were used. According to the findings, it was found that laptop computer is the primary device out of the mobile phones, desktop computers, tablet computers, and other smart devices used for online learning.  Also, most of the students experience a moderate level of internet strength during their online learning period. Further, the majority of the students have committed between 10-20 hours of online learning per week. It was discovered at first that undergraduates are well-prepared for online learning. According to the correlation test, the student's degree year, the device used in online learning, device quality, internet strength, and weekly hours spent on online learning are all related to the OLR of the management undergraduates. According to the findings, OLR is determined by factors such as the student's overall technology skills, availability of technology infrastructure, online communication, online learning motivation, self-directed learning, and learner control. This study provides implications for the education industry in planning and executing distance learning, online learning, and hybrid learning programs.