The 2019 pandemic outbreak has
affected the world economy with an unprecedented wave of social distancing and
isolation. It has brought significant changes to education and training systems
globally as well. Learning, teaching, and communication in general were
inevitably transferred to online tools, as this pandemic event accelerated the
digital transformation.
Remote education has exploded in 2020 as an emergency response to the
widespread physical closure of education and training institutions. The
community of education had to adopt and support distance learning as the
ultimate solution. This fast-paced shift has speeded up further digital
transformation of education.
From my teaching experience having lectures on the field of business
administration, international business, and human resource management, physical
communication cannot be entirely substituted by digital methods. However,
choosing the appropriate digital channels matters.
Indeed, synchronous distance learning emerges a plethora of challenges.
Internet speed connection and stability is a critical one, while having the
hardware and software needed must not be taken as a given. Many students or
teachers do not have the appropriate machinery to support a smooth distance
learning experience. Additionally, not all people have the experience,
confidence, knowledge, skills, and competence needed to organize and deliver
distance education effectively.
On the contrary, asynchronous distance learning, enhanced guidance to
students, and personal willingness are the key to distance learning success.
Indeed, asynchronous methods give you the ability of scheduling, mastering time
needed to absorb new information, and perceive professional multichannel
learning.
Moreover, it is critical if professors can record lectures at a fully
equipped studio and upload them after the appropriate montage to fit the
material to modern needs. Electronic classes can be supported by digital books
and other material in electronic format, hence making the whole experience even
more interactive. It is crucial to adapt and prepare educational content and to
ensure its use in distance learning and virtual environments. Accordingly,
continuous monitoring of the feedback mechanisms and information provided is
vital for the development of a successful digital community.
For instance, one of the major
challenges has been the issue of ensuring inclusion and equal access to quality
distance learning opportunities. But, if we think about how many students and
professionals cannot have physical access to educational places due to mobility
challenges and time management issues, being economically disadvantaged, or
geographically isolated, then both methods (physical and distance learning)
have disadvantages. Also, managing assessment and grading is a difficult
challenge, while this requires the integrity and awareness of both students and
professors.
In conclusion, distance learning as an attempt to ensure the
continuation of the learning process is critical. Society must be well-informed
and open to adopt new training methods as the spread of digital tools cannot be
reversed. In this respect, physical contact and experience must not be
interrupted, as they are environments that provide a sense of professional
structure and of community and opportunities for socialization and status. But
digital tools could support more people to be educated, even if they do not
have the required means needed to access traditional training methods.
