Online Learning as a Catalyst for Self-directed Learning in Universities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of online learning and self-directed to motivate engage students. Therefore, this study sought determine how fostered at a South African university during period. Higher education institutions worldwide had shut down indefinitely following guidance from health experts contain spread pandemic. Since is regarded as pillar development for all countries, some means be found keep teaching going irrespective ongoing crisis. Hence, made it possible students continue emergency closure. This was period reckoning, however, many began experiencing challenges related poor internet connectivity accessing digital devices. Despite these challenges, solution reach out ensure that they were not excluded process. sudden transition meant could no longer follow well-coordinated, structured schedule guided supervised on campus; rather, become more independent in their learning. Independent encourages proactive independent, philosophy aligned (SDL). explored experiences third-year student teachers navigating SDL through platforms. underpinned by theory adopted qualitative case research design, generating data ten using Zoom App focus group discussion. Data analyzed an inductive thematic analysis framework. although appropriate because promotes independently, majority encountered several when adopting learning, catching them off guard formally introduced it.