Perceptions of participants on Online Learning in the Outbreak of COVID-19: Case Study

Corona pandemic wreaked havoc across the world, perilously hitting the education system. This comparative case study with tertiary students reveals their perceptions of on-line learning during the outbreak of the COVID-19. Tertiary institutes closed their doors, shifting students and staff to the on-line process without advanced notice or prior training. In-depth individual interviews were conducted via video conferencing, and thematic analysis was done using NVivo-12 software. However, it was explored 87% of Sri Lankan students struggled in the new learning space while it is 34% in New Zealand; Only 10% New Zealand students believed that online learning provided them with the ability to self-reliant learning in their own time and not be restricted by a classroom lesson, which they could miss. However, 5% Sri Lankan students had perception that online learning is benefited for self-reliant learn at the site may be highly adopted tuition culture of the secondary education, but they have struggled to overcome challenges in new learning space. This gap is seen across social norms and cultural values. It was revealed that in both countries, students faced cybersecurity and bullying and gender discrimination issues. It was also revealed that both countries have similar issues in on-line learning and teaching, such as lack of reliable internet access and technology issues. It is recommended that the teachers should be more competent since our learners are native digital speakers, while teachers are digital immigrants.