Distance Learning (DL): Cambodian Graduate Students’ Perception and Readiness

Abstract

In today’s technological world, Distance Learning (DL), also called online learning, has become a widely accepted means of providing educational content in tertiary education institutions around the globe. A wealth of literature has indicated that the learners’ perceptions and readiness levels could determine the effectiveness of implementing a particular learning mode, such as DL. Thus, this cross-sectional survey research sought to investigate graduate students’ perceptions and their readiness for DL in terms of the process of using technological devices and apps, and software that support DL. The questionnaires were utilized to collect the data from 204 graduate students pursuing their master’s degrees at a public university in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The results revealed that most graduate students positively perceived DL for reasons, namely, gaining more knowledge, receiving updated information, reducing problems in traditional learning, fast communication, and seeing real-time classes. In addition, although most graduate students reported that they were ready for DL in terms of possessing devices and being able to use some types of applications and learning software that could support DL, some still had a hurdle in using some other apps and learning software that support DL. In light of the findings, this study would contribute to the limited existing literature on distance learning in the Cambodian context through unlocking graduates' perceptions and their levels of readiness for Distance learning. In addition, this study would provide context-specific insights for policymakers and program coordinators in launching this innovative learning mode.