Proceedings of the 10th Focus Conference (TFC 2023)

Exploring the Perceptions of Online Learning among Students and Lecturers at Mangosuthu University of Technology: Successes and Challenges

Authors
R. Tshibangu1, *, A. P. Tshibangu1
1Electrical Engineering Department, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
*Corresponding author. Email: tshibangu.rogerant@mut.ac.za
Corresponding Author
R. Tshibangu
Available Online 6 November 2023.
DOI
10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_22How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Online learning; Mangosuthu University of Technology; Lecturers; Students
Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of online learning among students and lecturers at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), focusing on the successes and challenges associated with its implementation. The theoretical framework employed in this research is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which is particularly relevant for understanding users’ acceptance and adoption of technology. TAM’s constructs, such as perceived effectiveness and apparent simplicity of use, are applied to assess how students and lecturers perceive the advantages and user-friendliness of online learning platforms and tools. By examining attitudes toward online learning and intention to use it, TAM provides insights into the likelihood of successful implementation and potential challenges.

The study includes participants from the faculties of Engineering, Management Sciences, and Natural Sciences, covering a wide age range. The findings reveal both benefits and challenges of online learning. Participants appreciated the convenience of accessing recorded lessons and learning materials, but technological limitations, distractions, and connectivity issues were also noted. To enhance the online learning experience, students and lecturers suggest providing better access to technology and internet resources, improving communication and engagement, and addressing technical issues. Overall the use of technology, in this case, online learning, was embraced by both parties. Additionally, proper training and support in digital tools and platforms were highlighted as essential. The findings underscore the significance of technology in modern education and the need to create a well-balanced and supportive online learning environment for all stakeholders.

Copyright
© 2023 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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Volume Title
Proceedings of the 10th Focus Conference (TFC 2023)
Series
Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research
Publication Date
6 November 2023
ISBN
10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_22
ISSN
2352-5398
DOI
10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_22How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2023 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Cite this article

TY  - CONF
AU  - R. Tshibangu
AU  - A. P. Tshibangu
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/11/06
TI  - Exploring the Perceptions of Online Learning among Students and Lecturers at Mangosuthu University of Technology: Successes and Challenges
BT  - Proceedings of the 10th Focus Conference (TFC 2023)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 339
EP  - 353
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_22
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_22
ID  - Tshibangu2023
ER  -