Assessment of Online Learning Readiness Among MBBS Students: A Correlational Study

Background: During COVID-19 in Pakistan, regarding education, faculty and students faced numerous challenges such as no faculty training program, lack of well-equipped IT departments, the engagement of online learners, low bandwidth issues and internet connectivity. Objective: To evaluate online learning preparedness, focusing on self-directed learning, computer and internet selfefficacy, online communication self-efficacy, learner control, and motivation for learning. This study findings provide critical insight especially concerning learner control and self-directed learning in context of online education. Method: This study is a correlational study employing a convenient sampling technique to select 257 participants from the MBBS student population of all professional years who were actively engaged in online education at Rashid Latif Medical College during February to July 2023. The validated open access questionnaire for Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) was used. Moreover, to determine the relationship between learner control and self-directed learning as well as between these two factors and motivation to learn, the Pearson correlational coefficient was utilized. Results: Most students exhibited computer and internet self-efficacy (65.3%), self-directed learning (60.2%), and motivation for learning (82.4%). Learner control positively correlated with self-directed learning (r=0.343**), as well as self-directed learning with motivation for learning (r=0.339**). Conclusion: Online learning readiness can be improved by increasing learner control and self-directed learning. For effective online education to be possible even in emergency situations, policymakers and institutions should concentrate on infrastructure, training, and support systems. Training should be focused on developing learner control and goal setting for academic achievement.