Student perceptions of knowledge management and institutional readiness for online classes amid Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Higher education has undergone substantial digital change due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered the status quo in education. Universities across the globe have initiated and adapted various course delivery modes to mitigate this unprecedented situation. Among these responses, online classes continue to be the most common. Therefore, this study examines institutional knowledge management and readiness to sustain online course delivery. Adopting a qualitative research design, this study used two methods, semi-structured interviews (n15) and online open questionnaires (n42), to gather data. Reflexive thematic analysis was then used to analyse the data. The study findings underline that the adaptability, flexibility, and approachability of the virtual learning experience are critical to determining an institution’s readiness for online classes. Based on student perceptions, the faculties of digital skills, integration of innovative pedagogies, student readiness, skills and experience, and integration of learning resources are the main aspects that determine the readiness of universities for online learning.