A Study on the Influence from Societal/Cultural Constraints on Undergraduates Perception Regarding the Transition of Learning from On-Campus to Online

Abstract

Since attaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has maintained a robust system of on-campus higher education despite facing economic hardships. This traditional approach fostered valuable student interaction and demonstrably propelled educational attainment towards a level comparable to developed nations. However, recent times have witnessed a rapid shift, with undergraduates forced to adapt to virtual learning platforms amidst the limitations of the country's technological infrastructure, a challenge further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the infancy of this online learning paradigm, Sri Lanka has actively addressed the numerous hurdles associated with its implementation. This study seeks to investigate the factors shaping undergraduate perceptions of online learning and how this knowledge can contribute to optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this educational model. Employing a quantitative approach with a sample size of 373 undergraduates selected through simple random sampling method, data was collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using linear regression within SPSS version 22. The findings revealed significant transitions, particularly in social-cultural constraints, which exhibited a substantial shift towards more positive attitudes. The burgeoning ubiquity of online courses have transcended geographical limitations, fostering the evolution of online learning into a nexus for cross-cultural knowledge exchange.