Appreciating online learning – expressions of non-traditional applicants to University of Ghana during COVID

Abstract

This study was set to find out ways by which non-traditional applicants to University of Ghana appreciated their online learning engagements during the outbreak of COVID, challenges they faced and their suggestions for addressing the challenges. A qualitative analysis of their responses revealed a high level of appreciation for online learning as a result the quality of the online tuition, first hand opportunity to experience online learning, digital literacy skill enhancement, ability to complete their studies and the possible benefits from online learning experience in their future endeavors. They were however faced with pedagogical and technical challenges which requiresinstitutions of formal learning for non-traditional adults to provide affordable and userfriendly ICT devices and systems and also to leverage on the principles of self-directed learning and andragogical principles embedded in the practice of heutagogy.