University Students' Reasons for Choosing Distance Learning and Related Challenges

The language of the webinar is Icelandic.

Lecturer: Verena Karlsdóttir, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Akureyri

Description: Distance learning has become increasingly important after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of students' motivations for choosing this mode of study over on-campus education. This presentation explores the main reasons students opt for distance learning and the challenges associated with it.

In this context, a study was conducted at the University of Akureyri (HA) to analyze three key factors influencing students’ choices: flexibility, educational growth, and efficiency. The results indicate that factors such as gender, age, and place of residence did not have a significant impact on students' decisions. However, family circumstances—such as having children and working alongside studies—had a considerable effect on their attitudes toward distance learning.

Thematic analysis sheds light on students' expectations and needs, the main challenges they face, and ways to improve distance learning. Findings suggest that distance education must remain flexible and continuously updated to meet students' evolving needs and align with modern demands. By implementing innovations in distance learning, based on research and real-life experiences, such as case studies, universities like HA can become leaders in education that meets the ever-changing and growing needs of society, both in Iceland and internationally.

Read Verena’s article with the findings:
View of Assessing University Students’ Motivation to Choose Distance Learning and the Challenges of Distance Learning. https://ejournals.vdu.lt/index.php/Pedagogika/article/view/6042/3586

Time: Wednesday, March 19, 12:00–13:00

Location: Zoom: https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/66115640695?pwd=zPTJuNTzLL24w3BBY45Qosj2BlPWWO.1
(Meeting ID: 661 1564 0695 / Password: vor2025)

The webinar is hosted by: The Teaching Center of the University of Iceland and and Fjarska – Icelandic Association for Distance and Digital Education.