I Can See Positive Aspects of Online Education. Educators’ Well-Being and Challenges Faced During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The emergence and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 caused uncertainty about our health, jobs, and the education system. For teachers, changes in workplaces and the breakdown of interpersonal relationships during the pandemic caused even greater stress levels in what is already known to be a stressful job. We wanted to find out if a positive or negative attitude towards online work influenced levels of stress and mental well-being, perceived difficulties at work, subjective evaluation of received support, and effectiveness of remote work during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 in Poland. Data was collected using a questionnaire, the PSS 10 scale and another scale based on GHQ12 and GH30. Nearly one-third of the respondents indicated positive aspects of online education. Those who could see the positive aspects of online education showed themselves better adapted to the new form of working and had higher results in all four scales that we researched. They handled online tools, used synchronous methods, conducted educational activities more often, and felt competent during online work. Supporting the effectiveness of educators by improving the competencies that they need for this new form of working is vital with regard to the changes within the school institution.