Challenges and barriers to online learning: a tertiary-level study

Abstract

This study aims to find out the main challenges of online learning and the barriers to using technology for online learning by Bangladeshi Undergraduate level students. Learners have beginner level experience in online learning; as a result, they faced challenges while interacting and utilizing technology in online classes. The participants are undergraduate students of six different private universities in Bangladesh. This is a mixed method with a survey of sixty-five participants as a primary instrument and an in-depth semi structured interview with twenty participants. Descriptive statistical for quantitative method and theme-based qualitative analysis was carried out for exploring the findings. This study finds that students struggle to participate in online classes due to lack of knowledge in educational technology and flexibility in using educational software. Moreover, the study reveals that they struggle to understand online lectures, adjust to a new environment, interact with teachers, and participate in online exams. Furthermore, the study documented undergraduate level learners' expectations and suggestions for making online pedagogy more efficient. In conclusion, it proposes recommendations for scholarly journal articles, experts, and stakeholders to improve online learning.