Do we talk to a wall or pass on knowledge to students: The advantages and disadvantages of online learning

Abstract

In the era of digitalization, boosted by Covid-19 pandemic, there is a constant need to measure the success of digital education, compare and reappraise its positive and negative outcomes, which are mainly dependent on the technical conditions available, as well as on the extent to which the previous knowledge of teachers has been adapted to practical and technical challenges. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of digitized education as perceived by students in a qualitative survey, conducted in 2021/22. The starting point were two hypotheses related to positive aspects and two hypotheses related to negative aspects of online learning. An in-depth interview was conducted among 20 high school and 20 university students. By analyzing the results obtained, and juxtaposing them with the data taken from a quantitative survey administered prior to the qualitative one, in 2020/21, it is possible to compare the changes that took place and gain a better insight into the entire process, which has undergone certain improvements, but which also leaves room for further enhancement, particularly in terms of students' and teachers' motivation to actively engage and interact. This would help students overcome their distrust of online education.