CURRENT POTENTIAL, CHALLENGES AND COUNTERMEASURES OF ONLINE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: HIGHER EDUCATION IN CHINA

Abstract

Online learning and teaching are the current trend to worldwide education norm. This approach is particularly crucial since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when majority of the activities have been locked down. Online learning system requires up to date computer devices and internet access. This poses a challenge to many rural and inland locations, particularly in China. Therefore, this study aims to assess the readiness of higher education institution students on online learning during the pandemic. The quantitative approach was applied with a total 353 volunteers from higher learning institutes in Jiangxi, China. Online Learning Readiness Assessment used for data collection through online platform. There is total four aspects measured: learning favouritism; self-directive; selfefficacy; and hardware-soft skill support. Findings indicated that 74.5% of the volunteers fell under the moderate level of online learning readiness; 17.5% were categorized under the high level of online learning readiness and 8% were in the low level of online learning readiness. Student readiness in self-directive were reported with the highest mean scores while the level of favoritism indicated the lowest mean scores. Generally, this study implied students in the 21st century is well prepared for online learning. However, continuous improvement plans are crucial to warrant the effectiveness of online learning on students’ academic and non-academic performance for further achievement.