Lecturer Priorities in Web Conferencing Tool Selection: An Empirical Study in Sri Lankan Tertiary Education

The rapid expansion of online education in Sri Lanka has intensified the demand for suitable virtual meeting platforms. However, a lack of a clear selection framework often leads to the adoption of limited platform options. The study aims to address this deficit by presenting a framework for lecturers in Sri Lanka to make well-informed selections regarding web conferencing tools. By building upon previous research and employing a quantitative approach, this study investigates the perceived importance of various platform features. Through data analysis techniques, including Pearson's Chi-Square test, exploratory factor analysis, and second-order factor analysis, the study identifies the most crucial features for effective online teaching. The findings reveal that online event features, screen sharing, collaboration tools, performance, pricing, user-friendliness, security measures, and online evaluation are the key factors to consider. The findings of this study will guide Sri Lankan lecturers in choosing a web conferencing tool with clarity, focusing on the most impactful features for online teaching needs. In the end, this results in the creation of improved virtual learning environments for Sri Lanka's tertiary education system.