The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness, challenges and psychological impacts of online learning for university students at Open University of Mauritius. The coronavirus pandemic had considerably impacted the educational system throughout the entire world. The closure of educational institutions had disrupted the proper running of the system, limiting learners’ acquisition of knowledge, and limiting the work of schooling authorities, stakeholders, and policy-makers.
Design/methodology/approach – The research design for this study comprises of a comprehensive literature review and collection of primary data from 373 respondents. This study will take the form of a quantitative approach. Correlation analyses were used to test the hypotheses.
Findings – A total response rate of 72.9 % (N-373) was obtained. With regards to effectiveness of online learning, good understanding of learning content; information retention and others are highly affected with the assistance of tutors in comparison to situations when there is no assistance. With regards to challenges of online learning, difficulty understanding the language medium; difficulty understanding the learning content among others are highly influenced with the assistance of tutors. With regards to psychological impacts of online learning, level of happiness and enjoyment among others is highly impacted with proper assistance of tutors. In short, proper tutor’s assistance affects the effectiveness and psychological impacts of online learning but does not affect the challenges of online learning.
Practical implications – This research will assist policymakers in identifying the effectiveness, challenges and psychological impacts of online learning for university learners. Originality/value.

Authors:
Preetamsingh Dookhun, Open University of Mauritius, Mauritius
Sanmooga Savoo, Open University of Mauritius, Mauritius

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Preetamsingh DOOKHUN is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Open University of Mauritius in Mauritius

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