The adaptation to distance learning contexts by senior students of a Portuguese higher education institution, in a pandemic environment

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed major challenges for higher education institutions (HEI) and the Polytechnic of Leiria was not immune to this crisis. In a context in which lifelong education is part of national and international political agendas, Portuguese higher education institutions have been recognizing the importance of this paradigm, providing training and intergenerational moments of sharing for diverse audiences. This article intends to understand the adaptation process to home online schooling by students of a senior training - the Program 60+, from the Polytechnic of Leiria -, in the face of the pandemic situation. Based on a descriptive-exploratory case study, we seek to reflect on the process of changing from a traditional and face-to-face teaching system to the use of teaching and learning methodologies supported by digital tools. Thirty-five senior students, enrolled in the second semester of the academic year 2019/2020, participated in the study. We concluded that most participants experienced difficulties in adapting to the new context that was imposed upon themselves unexpectedly. More than half did not participate in the proposed online activities and claim to prefer face-to-face activities. The majority of those who participated in the online activities did not experience difficulties in accessing the platforms and in the use of digital tools, which highlights the importance of training in this sort of learning. These results are in line with the national and international guidelines for the adoption of strategies that promote digital literacy.