INVESTIGATING READINESS FOR REMOTE LEARNING IN THREE COHORTS OF STUDENTS

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many higher education programmes to be delivered online, with blended learning a viable learning environment in the future. This study investigated differences in readiness for remote learning between three cohorts of students using clustering and thematic analysis. Key classifiers for online distance learning postgraduate learners were motivation to learn, confidence using online tools for learning, and time-management. On-campus learners were motivated to learn and seek assistance but less likely to repeat recorded material and less confident in time-management. On-campus learners were less motivated to learn, less confident in using online tools for communication or to seek assistance, and more likely to mention remote learning’s impact on their mental health.