Challenges and opportunities of non-face-to-face higher education for university students with and without diverse educational needs

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of non-face-to-face learning in higher education, allowing for the analysis of its challenges and opportunities. For this study, an exploratory-descriptive research design was used to evaluate the distance education process through the participation of students (n = 241) and professors (n = 9) from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) using a questionnaire and focus groups. The main challenges revolved around the need to adapt pedagogical strategies to the new teaching-learning process, as well as the lack of digital training among university faculty. Despite the limitations of non-face-to-face teaching (online and hybrid modalities), students, especially those with diverse educational needs, positively appreciated the reinvention of educational practice for its flexibility and practicality, allowing for greater adaptation and adjustment to their needs compared to pre-pandemic practices.