Assessing university students’ motivation to choose distance learning and the challenges of distance learning

Abstract

Distance education has gained magnitude post-COVID-19, requiring an understanding of learners’ motivations. This study at the University of Akureyri used a mixed-methods approach to identify three key factors: flexibility, educational growth, efficiency. While gender, age, residence, and education level showed no significant impact, having children and employment influenced perceptions. Thematic analysis revealed insights into student prefe-rences, challenges, and recommendations for improving distance learning.Distance education has gained magnitude post-COVID-19, requiring an understanding of learners’ motivations. This study at the University of Akureyri used a mixed- methods approach to identify three key factors: flexibility, educational growth, efficiency. While gender, age, residence, and education level showed no significant impact, having children and employment influenced perceptions. Thematic analysis revealed insights into student prefe- rences, challenges, and recommendations for improving distance learning.