Abstract:

The Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education provides alternative higher education opportunities for students who have successfully completed the Advanced Level examination. Traditionally, instruction has been delivered face-to-face through a network of nineteen Advanced Technological Institutes across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, necessitated a rapid transition to online delivery, creating significant challenges for both students and academic staff.

This study examines the key obstacles faced during this transition, focusing on Business Studies programs at the Advanced Technological Institute. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, was employed to explore the experiences of both lecturers and students. The study sample comprised of 200 randomly selected students and 10 lecturers.

The findings reveal that although online learning offers substantial potential to enhance accessibility and flexibility, its effectiveness within Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education is hindered by inadequate digital infrastructure, limited staff training in online pedagogy, and curricula not fully suited to virtual delivery. Students reported challenges related to motivation, engagement, and access, while lecturers highlighted reduced student participation and insufficient institutional support.

The research findings demonstrate that online education at the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education, is currently constrained by multiple interrelated barriers. Despite these challenges, the study also highlighted opportunities for institutional improvement and innovation, including the potential for expanded access and flexibility.

The study recommends targeted professional development, the adoption of blended learning models, curriculum redesign to integrate digital tools, and enhanced student support systems. These measures found to be essential for ensuring institutional readiness and fostering sustainable online education in Sri Lanka’s post-pandemic higher education landscape.

Keywords:

Online teaching and learning, business studies, pedagogical approaches, blended learning, higher education, Sri Lanka.