Navigating online learning challenges and opportunities: Insights from small group of lecturers during pandemic

Abstract

The implementation of e-learning platforms in higher education offers opportunities to enhance education quality and increase access to flexible learning. However, challenges arise, including limited guidance for students, high dropout rates, and obstacles faced by instructors. This qualitative case study explores the challenges and opportunities of online learning from instructors' perspectives. Data was collected through a survey administered to 23 instructors, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify the themes of challenges and opportunities. Findings reveal challenges in interaction, practical session delivery, monitoring, assessment, and identity verification. Institutional support challenges include insufficient training and socialization. Individual Challenges encompass digital skills, health concerns, and fatigue. Technological challenges involve availability, integration, capacity, and network-related issues. Despite these challenges, online learning provides opportunities for time effectiveness, flexibility, personal development, innovative teaching methods, and collaboration with external experts.