Distance Learning Advantages and Disadvantages: Teaching Experience Analysis at the University with the Basis on Different Informational-Communicative Technologies

Abstract

The transition to distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic is seen as a natural pedagogical experiment, which became more manageable for all participants of educational process in autumn 2020. Comprehending work experience in spring, as well as training in the field of informational and communication technologies (ICT), allows the teacher not only to expand their capabilities when working online, but also to experiment with using different digital tools (Teams, Zoom, Moodle, Kahoot), analyzing their application success and the reasons for difficulties occurred. The article presents different courses’ students survey results and forms of education regarding distance learning features which they note. The analysis of attitudes towards certain distance learning aspects of by students of different ages (and, accordingly, different generations - Z and Y) is carried out. It is shown that the hypotheses regarding more positive perception of online learning and greater satisfaction with the use of digital tools by the teacher that ensure the interactive classes nature (holding meetings in subgroups in separate channels, organizing joint work using the One Note tool, quizzes by discipline using the Kahoot digital tool) by junior students was not confirmed: senior students note more positive aspects of distance learning and, with the same satisfaction as generation Z students, perceive the use of ICT by the teacher to organize interaction within the educational process. The paper analyzes the results obtained, as well as outlines the prospects for further research in the field of distance learning: overcoming the problems of insufficient (loss) information) when using ICT, overcoming limitations in the transfer of personal knowledge, studying the influence of group dynamics when organizing interaction using ICT.