DISTANCE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PERCEPTIONS OF UNDERGRADUATES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most countries decided to temporarily close down educa tional institutions which caused to transformation conventional learning into online learning platforms. However, the question of how well learners are effectively engaged with distance learning (DL) is still not addressed clearly in the Sri Lankan context. This study, therefore, aims to understand the learners’ perception towards DL modes. Perceptions regarding DL were collected based on learner, design, de livery, resource and evaluation dimensions. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from undergraduates in state universities, and they were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Results revealed that undergraduates are satisfied with DL and they would be willing to recommend it to peers. Further, it was revealed that the design dimension is the most crucial variable for DL.