With the continuous development and rapid progress of Internet technology, the technology of “Internet +” has been widely used in almost all walks of life, including education. The new learning mode of “Internet + education” is changing learners’ learning habits, and this learning mode has become a hot issue that scholars pay attention to. Although there is much research on blended learning, the research on the influencing factors of blended learning in Chinese private colleges and universities is limited. In this paper, the questionnaire was designed based on the theory of planning behavior and the technical acceptance model theory, and distribute these questionnaires to undergraduates at Harbin Cambridge University, a private university in China, and 162 valid questionnaires were collected. Analysis was performed by multiple linear regression and structural equation model method. It is found that college students’ blended learning effect is positively correlated with perceived usefulness, interactive behavior, and learning acceptance, while perceived ease of use and learning atmosphere have no significant influence on the learning effect. This study further found that perceived usefulness and interactive behavior can influence the effect of blended learning through the mediating effect of learning acceptance. The results of this study provide a new idea for the study of blended learning; that is, students will know how to improve the effectiveness of blended learning, and also provide a valuable reference for teachers to solve the problem of how to improve the quality and effectiveness of blended classroom teaching.

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of Chinese postgraduate students in the UK regarding online learning, focusing on the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data, which were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal positive perceptions of online learning, challenges related to technology and infrastructure, the significance of social interaction and collaboration, and the limited impact of teaching quality on student satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of the CoI framework in designing effective online learning environments. Limitations include a small sample size and potential bias. Future research should involve larger and more diverse samples, investigate different teaching strategies, and enhance student agency and self-regulated learning in online education. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the applicability of the CoI framework and its potential for improving online learning experiences.

 Purpose: This research paper aims to assess the proficiency of tertiary education providers in engaging with online learning environments, especially in the context of the post-COVID-19 transition. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, it is essential to understand how educational institutions have adapted and evolved in their approach to virtual education. The central research question explores how Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Technological Infrastructure (TI), and Support Systems (SS) collectively influence educators’ proficiency in online teaching (POT). Study design/methodology/approach: A comparative study was performed, comparing data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic with post-pandemic data from higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 education facilitators representing both public and international educational institutions. This purposive sampling approach allows for a holistic exploration of the experiences, challenges, strategies, and preparedness of these facilitators during the transition to online learning. Manual qualitative data classification and content analysis were employed to understand themes in respondent experiences and identified actions. Findings: The study reveals the significant role of CPD, robust TI, and effective SS in enhancing the Proficiency of tertiary education providers in engaging with Online Teaching. These elements were found to be significant determinants of how well institutions and educators adapted to the shift to virtual education. The research offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and students, aiding in decision-making processes within academia and guiding the development and implementation of effective online teaching strategies. Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an in-depth understanding of the adjustments education facilitators make in response to the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing preparation for online learning and highlights the role of digital workplace capabilities in ensuring successful interaction in virtual educational environments.

The rapid shift to online learning during COVID-19 posed challenges for students. This investigation explored these hurdles and suggested effective solutions using mixed methods. By combining a literature review, interviews, surveys, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the study identified five key challenges: lack of practical experience, disruptions in learning environments, condensed assessments, technology and financial constraints, and health and mental well-being concerns. Notably, it found differences in priorities among students across academic years. Freshmen struggled with the absence of hands-on courses, sophomores with workload demands, and upperclassmen with mental health challenges. The research also discussed preferred strategies for resolution, emphasizing independent learning methods, managing distractions, and adjusting assessments. By providing tailored insights, this study aimed to enhance online learning. Governments and universities should support practical work, prioritize student well-being, improve digital infrastructure, adapt assessments, foster innovation, and ensure resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic occasioned significant changes in many aspects of human life. The education system is one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. With the contagious nature of the disease, governments around the world encouraged social distancing between individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. This led to the shutdown of many academic institutions, to avoid mass gatherings and overcrowded places. Developed and developing countries either postponed their academic activities or used digital technologies to reach learners remotely. The study examined the benefits of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants for the study consist of 5 lecturers and 30 students from the ML Sultan Campus of the Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Data was collected using open-ended interviews. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected. Data was collected until it was saturated. Different ways were implemented to make online learning and teaching successful. The findings identified that the benefits of online learning were that it promotes independent learning, flexible learning adaptability and others.