Perception of Distance Teaching as a Result of the COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

With the onset of the so-called Covid 19 crisis in 2020, face-to-face teaching was temporarily replaced by distance learning in several European countries, including at Croatian schools of all skill levels. Because the crisis could not be foreseen and therefore sufficient preparations could not be made in time, not only did the teachers  unexpectedly switch to distance learning, but also the learners to home-based learning. This triggered several problems, among which the problem of work overload could be observed on all sides: be it on the part of teachers,learners or parents. This article examines the influence of distance learning and digital tools on students at the University of Zadar. In this research, it is assumed that the perception of distance learning and the associated use of digital media was assessed as quite negative due to the poor quality of distance learning. The reasons for the poor quality of distance learning are mainly due to the surprising change from face-to-face to distance learning and the associated inadequate preparation for distance learning, which caused general dissatisfaction at least in the first few weeks of distance learning. The results also point to systemic shortcomings in the quality and availability of information equipment and, in some cases, to the modest management of digital media by many teachers and students. However, distance learning offered an opportunity to reevaluate traditional face-to-face teaching and the role of teachers in society, as well as to illustrate the potentials and limitations of digital media.