Social aspects of introducing online learning - the students' perspective

Abstract

The article presents the introduction of online learning at universities in Poland, which was a solution aimed at preventing, countering and combating COVID-19. Attention was drawn to the perception of this change by the stakeholders, i.e. students. The analysis examines students’ concerns regarding the implementation of this form of learning in selected areas related to access to technology, the organization of classes, and the participation in them, social interactions and administrative activities. The aim of the research was also to ascertain students’ opinions on the consequences of the implemented change and on the actions aimed at facilitating the transition to online learning undertaken by the authorities and university employees. The research was conducted with the use of an electronic survey questionnaire. The responses of 189 full-time university students were analyzed. Based on the results of the research, communication between students and university authorities, as well as the involvement of participants in the process of change were considered as key elements in the implementation of online learning. Among the important activities there were those that enable participation in online learning (provision of equipment, programs, licenses) and those that support learning (access to library resources). As regards the latter, conclusions were formulated concerning the planning of teaching, i.e. the content and the way of transferring knowledge.