STUDENTS’ READINESS FOR ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEM IN NIT

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has forced closure of educational institutions in Japan. In response to the prevention and control of this pandemic, UNESCO recommended the use of distance learning measures and open educational applications and platforms to reach learners remotely and limit the disruption of education. Therefore, many National college of Technology (hereafter NIT ) are offering distance learning courses across the country. In an effort to continue the classes, Nagaoka National Institute of Technology (NNIT) has implemented online learning class. The goal of this study is to understand the effectiveness of the online learning from the student’s readiness to continue it. Among the various classes undertaken, this study focused on English class. A total of 274 students from first and fourth year of NNIT participated in the survey and presented their perspectives. The results showed that the fourth-grade students preferred online learning as they could learn at their own pace and this format of learning was convenient for them. On the other hand, the first-year students preferred face-to-face classes due to the difficulties in time management and understanding of class content. Further, findings of this study also highlighted the benefits and challenges of taking online classes and effect of this pandemic on the students’ readiness. Based on the student’s opinions, the blended form of learning (i.e., face-to-face and online learning) was found as the most suitable format of learning. Therefore, it is expected that this study would assist higher education professionals in NITs to develop more feasible and supportive approaches for effective distance learning in near future.