University students’ perceptions of learner autonomy on ICT-supported online instruction during COVID-19 : Results from a questionnaire study

Abstract

In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary necessitated that ICT-based teaching be introduced in university education. This resulted in students having less interaction with their peers and instructors, which took place via unknown platforms. Students’ performance and the organization of their studies has also been impacted as in this situation they were partly left on their own devices. With the help of a self-developed questionnaire, the present paper provides a snapshot about the extent to which Hungarian university students were capable of coping with challenges posed by autonomous learning and the organization of studies in the above period. Our results show that students’ autonomous learning behaviour and attitudes vary greatly in numerous areas. Instructors may contribute to improving the situation by facilitating students’ motivational mechanisms and decision-making capacities.