Online Learning Experiences and Challenges in COVID-19 Pandemic : University Students’ Perspectives in Hong Kong

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online courses, especially live-streaming classes, have been adopted by universities and colleges as the primary teaching and learning method, no matter whether students and instructors are ready or not. Even though the online elements have been integrated into higher education teaching for some time, the major formats are asynchronous and static, such as the use of class arrangement platforms to share teaching materials, discussions, and class recordings. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the live-streaming of courses to the frontline of higher education teaching. Recent studies have shown that this sudden transformation has brought with it confusion to students and instructors and questions around whether the effectiveness of online learning meets student expectations. Moreover, those suspicious of online learning in the COVID-19 pandemic have had a chance to revisit some trendy topics in higher education, including the argument that online learning and teaching will soon replace the traditional face-to-face classes and online learning will be the remedy for some issues (like rising tuition costs) faced by current higher education. From university students’ perspective on teaching and learning, what is the role of information and communication technology (ICT) under the COVID-19 pandemic? More specifically, how can students evaluate their online learning experiences? Are they satisfied with their experiences, and do they think that their online learning courses are as effective as face-to-face courses? What are the main challenges for online learning? To answer these questions, this study conducted a survey on the online learning experience of university students in Hong Kong against the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.