Online Learning Experience During Covid-19 Pandemic: Empirical Evidence from Management Undergraduates of Private Universities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In 2020/21, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the entire planet on several levels. Regardless of their state of development, practically all economies were severely impacted. The education industry was one of the most severely impacted industries by the pandemic. It posed numerous challenges and disruptions in all aspects of educational operations, including the delivery of lectures and the completion of assignments. Working from home was established in most countries, and it was also applied to the education sector. As a result, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate university undergraduates' online learning experiences in Sri Lanka. This research digs deeper into the challenges and benefits of online learning, as well as satisfaction levels and acceptance of online learning as the new normal. According to the data, Management faculty undergraduates at non-state universities received varying levels of technical support from their relevant institutes and used a variety of online learning technologies. The most significant benefit, according to the research, is the ability to work flexible hours. Lack of student participation, lack of face-to-face contacts, internet connectivity, and technological concerns were the most common issues. Furthermore, undergraduates were found to be partially satisfied with online education but to have a higher acceptance of it.