Technological Barriers in Online Education: Comparing Student Experiences at Allama Iqbal Open University and Anadolu University

Abstract

The current study deals with the problems of technology, known as 'technological noise,' faced by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) students from Pakistan and Anadolu University (AU) students from Turkiye while studying online. The aims and objectives of the research were to find out whether there is a difference in the technological noise experienced by students of both institutions and the kind of technological noise faced by the students. A survey was conducted with 1400 students, equally divided between the two universities. The findings show that students at AIOU face significantly more technological noise than their counterparts at AU, and this difference is mainly due to discrepancies in the digital infrastructure and the support systems. The study suggests that techniques are further required to be applied to minimize technological challenges to increase the level of online education at AIOU and AU. The salient results indicate that AU's advanced technology and superior infrastructure produce a more seamless online learning experience. At the same time, AIOU students are interrupted more frequently by hardware, software, network, and learning management system issues. It is stressed that there is a need for continuous technology development and focused interventions to ameliorate technological noise and enhance online education quality.