Students’ readiness for online learning : a case study from the Faculty of Education, University of Malta

Abstract

The 21st century challenges traditional higher education on several fronts among them education delivery and institutional sustainability. Online learning proposes new ways for better resource utilisation whilst providing desirable methodologies in the domain of learning. This study investigates students’ readiness to accept online learning modes and differentiates from previous research by focusing on the full-time undergraduate in the Maltese scenario where physical distance is not considered a barrier. A quantitative research was conducted on students in full-time pre-service teacher education at the University of Malta. Students’ level of connectivity; technical skills; and perceptions, attitudes and intentions towards online learning; were investigated. Results indicate that students are mostly techinically ready both in terms of connectivity and skills which resolve into positive perceptions attitudes and intentions. However, the study also reveals that previous experience of such modes is very limited amongst students.