Factors Influencing Learning Readiness of University Students in New Normal Era: A Factor Analysis

University students have faced numerous challenges and issues related to online learning in the wake of the last pandemic. However, in many developing countries including Pakistan little is known about the problems of online learning faced by university due to abrupt shifting of education to digital mode. This study attempted to explore critical factors influencing online learning readiness of Pakistani university students in the New Normal. Using literature review, a questionnaire was developed consisting of five important factors such as: internet connection, technological skills, online interaction, learning preference and technology tools. Using these themes, a 21 items instrument was validated using exploratory factor analysis approach. A total of 643 university graduates of public sector universities of Malakand division Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan participated in the study based on convenience sample. The results indicated that in the current time many students did not have access to internet facility. Many students frequently face issues of poor internet connectivity which affects their study. Student did not have proper technological skills to operate different technology tools. University management may design online courses in the New Normal to address these factors. The results of this study also inform the policy makers about the implications of these critical factors on readiness of university students towards online learning in new normal era.