Students’ Digital Readiness for – and Satisfaction with – Online Learning: A Case Study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The Covid-19 (acronym for the coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic has signalled significance for online teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) both locally and internationally. This article reports on an empirically approved study that aimed to assess students’ digital readiness for online learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. The article presents the main areas examined to assess intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing students’ online readiness with respect to their technical requirements; engagement with learning tools and resources; digital readiness; and satisfaction with the Moodle (acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) online learning tool. Understanding students’ online learning readiness was deemed necessary for assisting UKZN in understanding such interventions and making improvements. The study drew on 400 students’ responses to a descriptive research design questionnaire to collect data from convenience-based purposive sampling. The constructs under study were measured for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. The results indicated that most of the students used laptops to access learning resources, followed by smartphones. Technically, the students did not express difficulties with reliable electricity supply access and university data packages, but the noted deficiencies of network coverage, internet connectivity and provision of specialised software. While the students seemed ready to engage learning tools, nevertheless improvements could be made in participating in discussion forums and working in groups. Moodle received strong support, particularly for its continuous availability and flexibility. Interestingly, the study showed that the students were digitally ready for online learning, barring some improvement areas for readiness, although wider perspectives in tracking online learning are envisaged.