e-Learning Challenges from the Students’ Point of View

Abstract

E-learning has become mandatory at all levels of educational institutions due to the coronavirus pandemic. This paper analyses the learning difficulties that university students have encountered as a result of this changed situation. Empirical research includes a survey of students at three Baltic universities: Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LLU), Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) and Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ). The aim of our article is to compare opinions on the challenges faced by students of Baltic States during mandatory remote learning. The results of this study revealed that there were no statistically significant differences between respondents in the countries participating in the survey in terms of the opinions expressed on the availability of appropriate hardware, communication with teacher and interaction with classmates and difficulty focusing on remote studies. Students who prefer face to face learning style mentioned difficulties in paying attention to studies, In addition, the majority of respondents indicated that they often had problems communicating with teachers. It was found that not only achieving learning outcomes, implementing practical works, and the volume of study works caused challenges but also lack of digital skills and interaction with classmates.