Critical success factors of distance online learning in higher education during COVID-19: differences among students

Due to the swift, unusually extensive shift to distance online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study sought to examine students’ perceptions in higher education at the end of the first semester they learned this way. We conducted a preliminary study at the onset of the new experience and collected qualitative data from students regarding their difficulties and profits. Five dimensions of Critical Success Factors (CFS) in online learning were found. This indicates a need to understand the various sub-dimensions and their compositions. Little attention has been paid to the differences in CSF perceptions between students. The present study aims to Zoom-In on CSF by defining its sub-dimensions in the new online learning conditions triggered by this period, and examine differences between students in perceived CFS sub-dimensions. A closed questionnaire was constructed based on the previous study. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified ten sub-dimensions of CSF...