Distance learning at university in the period of Covid19 and comparison with the F2F mode of learning: students’ perceptions

Abstract

The pandemic caused by Covid19 has imposed on educational and training systems the provision of teaching only at a distance, disregarding the initial choices of students who had chosen their favourite way for following the training courses. In this perspective, this study wanted to explore the differences perceived by students between distance learning and face-to-face teaching (F2F), as well as the perceived effectiveness of the distance learning teaching experienced. The qualitative approach of the study required the preparation of a semi-structured interview addressed to 10 students of a master’s degree course at the University of Padova, at the end of a semester of completely remote teaching. The results revealed that, even if the majority of students prefers F2F teaching to satisfy a need for socialization and everyday life, the effectiveness of teaching depends very much on the teaching method and on the level of interaction promoted within the learning community regardless of the way to provide didactics.