Dr. Zina Kyriakou will present her research on Burmese students' e-learning experiences at the Asia Pacific Business Review Workshop, hosted by Thammasat University in Bangkok from February 7-9, 2025. Her study, titled Burmese Students' Experiences and Perceptions of E-Learning in Higher Education, offers critical insights into the role of online education within Myanmar’s higher education system.
The research emphasizes the potential of e-learning to enhance educational access, particularly in rural areas of Myanmar where traditional higher education opportunities are severely limited. However, the study identifies significant constraints due to infrastructure issues, such as inadequate internet connectivity, insufficient access to necessary technology (like computers), and a widening digital divide.
The study outlines several crucial findings:
1) Political instability has shifted students' perspectives, with many now favoring e-learning for its accessibility amid disruptions in traditional education systems.
2) E-learning faces challenges in rural areas, such as limited digital skills, inconsistent technology access, and unreliable internet connectivity, all of which hinder students' full engagement.
3) Strong local networks among teachers and peers are crucial for helping students overcome e-learning challenges, fostering resilience and sustained engagement.
The research urges the importance of considering local socio-political and technological contexts when designing online education programs for developing countries. It broadens the global conversation on e-learning, encouraging further research into the experiences of students in non-Western, developing regions.
Dr. Kyriakou's work builds upon previous studies conducted in Myanmar, such as those examining changes in e-learning readiness at technological universities. These earlier studies highlighted the unstable nature of e-learning readiness and the need for universities to upgrade their facilities and management to support effective online education.
The presentation aims to inform the development of more tailored e-learning strategies for developing countries, addressing local challenges and focusing on overcoming barriers like the digital divide. It is expected to spark important discussions about the future of global education and inspire educators, policymakers, and technology providers to rethink how e-learning can be made more accessible, inclusive, and effective in diverse global contexts.

For more information, please contact Dr. Kyriakou and her research team at the International Executive School: https://www.ies.education