Perceived importance and confidence in online learning competencies among Somali undergraduate students

Abstract

This study investigated Somali university students' perceptions of the importance of online learning and their confidence in four of its aspects (i.e., online learner attributes, time management, communication, and technical competence). It also aimed to examine if demographic factors make any difference in their perceptions of importance and confidence in the four online learning readiness competencies. An ex post facto, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 320 undergraduates as the respondents. The instrument used is the Students Readiness for Online Learning (SROL) instrument consisting of four dimensions, online student attributes, time management, technical, and communication competencies developed by Martin et al. (2020). Descriptive analysis was performed for the first two questions, which measured students' perceptions of importance and confidence in online readiness competencies. Inferential statistics, including independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, were utilized to analyze data collected in response to the other two research questions. The result of the study reveals that technical and communication competencies were rated high for importance compared to online learner attributes and time management competencies. Thus, Somali university students were more confident in technical competence than online learner attributes, time management, and communication competencies. In addition, there was no significant difference based on gender, but there was a significant difference based on the field of study on their readiness for online learning. Based on the Pearson correlations, there was also a low positive relationship between age and Somali university students' readiness. Administrators can use the findings to aid in developing online student training programs. Learners are expected to consider their attributes as online students, as well as their time management, communication, and technological competencies.