COVID-19 pandemic forced several higher education institutions (HEI) to operate remotely. Emergency remote teaching, using synchronous and asynchronous instruction, was adopted by several HEIs. The experiences of students with remote teaching and learning in certain situations are not fully understood, thus need to be explored. This study explored the experiences of students with the emergency remote teaching and learning practices adopted at a selected HEI in South Africa. A cross-sectional and self-administered survey was used to gather data from 243 conveniently sampled returning students within the Department of Accounting and Finance. Descriptive statistics were used to make sense of the collected data. The study found that students preferred a face-to-face approach to learning to remote learning. The respondents underscored insufficient data, unstable network connection, unconducive home environments and loneliness as deterrents to effective remote learning. Despite these negative experiences, students appreciated the flexibility and convenience of recorded video lectures and acknowledged the compassion and support of lecturers during remote learning. An understanding of the experiences of students during remote learning provides a basis for future teaching plans, which would improve students' learning experiences. In its current format and students living in their home environments, remote learning greatly diminishes the chances of success for most students. Lecturers need to be compassionate and considerate of student’s struggles in their plans for remote teaching and learning as well as online learning.
The closures of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that face to face classes had to be put on hold. However, the growth in information and communication technologies (ICT) made it possible for HEIs to continue with their core activities remotely, primarily using learning management systems (LMSs). The overuse of LMS at the selected HEI resulted in the former’s collapse. The consequence was that management of the institution advised lecturers to use multi-modal emergency remote teaching (ERT) to save the academic year. Lecturers adopted a variety of platforms and approaches, largely depending on their preferences. This study identified the ICT platforms and approaches used by lecturers during remote teaching as well as estimating the readiness of students for emergency remote learning. Readiness was established with the use of the Technology Readiness Index 2.0 (TRI2.0) of the Technology Readiness Model. In addition, the effects of age, gender and level of study on technology readiness were estimated. A self-administered questionnaire was shared with senior students within the accounting department of the selected HEI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected from 243 respondents. The study found that Microsoft teams was the commonly used platform whilst pre-recorded lectures and live classes were the popular approaches used. In terms of technology readiness, the study found that students were not ready as indicated by a low TRI 2.0 of 2.8. Age and study level had a positive effect on technology readiness. To provide the best possible learning experiences to students, lecturers need to understand what worked, what did not and why. The results of this study provide invaluable information and lay a foundation for successful future e-learning projects.
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