E-learning for transportation professionals (post graduate program) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Transportation industry prosperity is closely connected with training of transportation professionals at all level of their education and in various economic and epidemiological situations. The study aimed to show the reactions of 1st year post graduate research students (transportation professionals) on key issues of e-learning during post-extreme period (October 2020-January 2021). To answer research questions connected with characteristics of post-graduate students’ reactions to remote e-learning, risks for the students and searching novel e-learning models, the questionnaire and a descriptive approach for open-ended and close-ended questions analysis, semantic method for assessing the language content obtained empirically, the quantitative-descriptive method for presenting the research results were used. 33 transportation professionals (Engineering Field, IT, Social Science and Humanities) took part in the survey. Face-to-face format of learning was preferred by 30.30 % students (“T” and “SH” respondents). Remote e-learning only was satisfied for 39.39 % students (“T” and “IT”). At that time desire to keep such e-learning experience was demonstrated by 48.48 % of the students. They were ready for e-learning returning. 39.39 % of all the students, except 3.03 % (“SH”) were ready to remote e-learning activity “when it is necessary”. E-learning risks were mainly associated with social adaptation in the digital learning environment. At the same time e-learning was pointed out as a chance for sustainable scientific activity.