Examining Student Perception of Readiness for Online Learning: Importance and Confidence

Authors

  • Florence Martin University of North Carolina Charltote http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6055-5636
  • Brandy Stamper University of North Carolina Charlotte
  • Claudia Flowers University of North Carolina Charlotte

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v24i2.2053

Keywords:

Student Readiness, Online Learning, Student Attitude, Student Ability, Student Perception

Abstract

The last two decades have seen a steady increase in the number of online courses in higher education. This survey-based study examines student readiness for online learning in 2018, through the dimensions of importance and confidence as measures of readiness.  An instrument with four subscales of competencies (online student attributes, time management, communication, and technical) that measures student readiness for online learning (SROL) was developed. Reliability of student responses to an online readiness instrument and factors related to student perception are examined. Descriptive statistics and item level means for the competencies are provided. Two repeated measures ANOVAs with one-within subject factor (four subscales for importance and competency) were conducted. Online student attributes, time management, and technical competencies were rated high for importance compared to communication competencies. Students were confident in online student attributes and technical competencies compared to time management and communication. Data was also analyzed based on demographic differences. MANOVA showed significant differences based on the race (white and non-white) of the students and course format (asynchronous, synchronous, and blended) on their perceptions of online learning competencies.

Author Biography

Florence Martin, University of North Carolina Charltote

I am a Professor in the Learning, Design and Technology program at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. I received my Doctorate and Master's in Educational Technology from Arizona State University. I have a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathiyar University, India. Previous to my current position, I taught at University of North Carolina Wilmington for seven years. I also worked on instructional design projects for Shooolini University, Viridis Learning, Maricopa Community College, University of Phoenix, Intel, Cisco Learning Institute, and Arizona State University. I worked as a co-principal investigator on the Digital Visual Literacy NSF grant working with Maricopa Community College District in Arizona and with Usability Security with Computing and Information Systems at UNCC. My research focuses on designing and integrating online learning environments (OLE) to improve learner motivation and engagement to achieve effectiveness in learning. I served as the President of the Multimedia Production Division at AECT from 2012-2013 and Past-President for Division of Distance Education at AECT from 2018-2019

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Published

2020-06-01

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Student Perspectives

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