Critical factors influencing online learning effectiveness: Insights from a local university

Abstract

This research evaluates  student attitudes and perceptions towards online learning at a local institution in Fiji using critical success factors (CSFs), (1) student characteristics, (2) teacher characteristics, (3) learning environment and instructional design, and (4) support. Data was collected using quantitative research methodology. A validated online questionnaire was disseminated to the students and 436 students participated voluntarily. Once the data was collected, appropriate analysis was performed to evaluate the findings. The results indicated that the students perceived the four CSFs as influencing the success of online learning. Student characteristics, such as digital literacy, teacher characteristics, instant feedback, the quality and design of the learning environment, and institutional support were important for effective online learning. Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the four CSFs. Evaluating critical success factors from the student perspective is essential for educational providers to gauge the effectiveness of the teaching and learning processes and improve them in the future. Educational institutions can leverage the CSFs identified in this study to assess the effectiveness of their online delivery and develop strategies to enhance the quality of online learning and teaching.