Critical factors influencing online learning effectiveness: Insights from a local university

Abstract

This research evaluates student attitudes and perceptions towards online learning at a local institution in Fiji using critical success factors (CSFs), (1) student characteristics, (2) teacher characteristics, (3) learning environment and instructional design, and (4) support. Data was collected using quantitative research methodology. A validated online questionnaire was disseminated to the students and 436 students participated voluntarily. Once the data was collected, appropriate analysis was performed to evaluate the findings. The results indicated that the students perceived the four CSFs as influencing the success of online learning. Student characteristics, such as digital literacy, teacher characteristics, instant feedback, the quality and design of the learning environment, and institutional support were important for effective online learning. Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the four CSFs. Evaluating critical success factors from the student perspective is essential for educational providers to gauge the effectiveness of the teaching and learning processes and improve them in the future. Educational institutions can leverage the CSFs identified in this study to assess the effectiveness of their online delivery and develop strategies to enhance the quality of online learning and teaching. © 2025 by the authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

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Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Fiji National University, Nasinu, Fiji

The University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji

Funding & Acknowledgements

Fiji National University

Grant: CRC 08/02/2021

Funding: This research is supported by Fiji National University, Fiji (Grant number: Resolution 4.0 \u2013 CRC 08/02/2021). Institutional Review Board Statement: The Ethical Committee of the Fiji National University, Fiji has granted approval for this study on 8 February 2021. Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study; that no vital features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained. This study followed all ethical practices during writing. Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors\u2019 Contributions: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the study. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Critical factors influencing online learning effectiveness: Insights from a local university

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