ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING DURING THE PANDEMICS; IMPRESSIONS ON THIS EXPERIENCE OF SUT STUDENTS

Mirjeta Cenaj, Blerina Aliaj

Abstract

The pandemics forced the adaptation of teaching and learning in all educational institutions by shifting this process from auditoriums / physical classes to online platforms. Given that online learning was hardly used in Albania, the academic staff and students were unprepared to adapt to the apt technology in order to fulfill their mission. This study, through a tailored online questionnaire sent through the Teams platform to Bachelor and Professional Master students at SUT / FMS, aimed to identify students' perception and opinions on online learning during this period on several aspects , such as: general feeling about online learning and its effectiveness; comparing physical learning with online learning; difficulties and advantages of online learning; evaluation of some effective elements used; acquiring knowledge / knowledge assessment; professor-student and student-student interaction and socio-health status, effects on everyday life and the level of motivation and stress. Moreover, it required from students to express their opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. The answers received mainly indicate that students have a positive impression of online learning and appreciate the support they have had from professors and the institution. Teaching materials have been clear and helpful, accessible and sufficient in most cases. The problems encountered were mainly technical, appropriate equipment and internet connection, as well as psychological issues increased level of stress and lower motivation and lack of direct contact with the professors and students. Students admit that online learning has been a good solution and that some of its elements can be used alongside traditional teaching-learning process with some adaptations.

Pages: 174 - 180