Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education during the Coronavirus Pandemic: Students’ Perspective

Claudiu Coman, Laurențiu Gabriel Țîru, Luiza Meseșan-Schmitz, Carmen Stanciu and Maria Cristina Bularca
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Claudiu Coman: Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Laurențiu Gabriel Țîru: Faculty of Psychology and Sociology, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Luiza Meseșan-Schmitz: Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Carmen Stanciu: Faculty of Psychology and Sociology, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Maria Cristina Bularca: Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-24

Abstract: The research focuses on identifying the way in which Romanian universities managed to provide knowledge during the Coronavirus pandemic, when, in a very short time, universities had to adapt the educational process for exclusively online teaching and learning. In this regard, we analyzed students’ perception regarding online learning, their capacity to assimilate information, and the use of E-learning platforms. An online survey based on a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted. Data was collected from 762 students from two of the largest Romanian universities. The results of the research revealed that higher education institutions in Romania were not prepared for exclusively online learning. Thus, the advantages of online learning identified in other studies seem to diminish in value, while disadvantages become more prominent. The hierarchy of problems that arise in online learning changes in the context of the crisis caused by the pandemic. Technical issues are the most important, followed by teachers’ lack of technical skills and their teaching style improperly adapted to the online environment. However, the last place was assigned by students to the lack of interaction with teachers or poor communication with them. Based on these findings, research implications for universities and researchers are discussed.

Keywords: online teaching; E-learning platform; higher education; students’ preferences; online information assimilation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (20)

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