Is the Future Hybrid? An Analysis of Opportunities for Digital Education

Abstract

"Is the Future Hybrid? An Analysis of Opportunities for Digital Education. The year 2020 undoubtedly marked a turning point in education. The abrupt passage to online teaching created an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty regarding the aims, efficiency, and outcome of this type of educational endeavor. Nevertheless, the two years with strict anti-epidemic measures and frustrating lockdowns have opened an opportunity to rethink the in-person traditional teaching experience. The current article wants to analyze the main concepts that provide the framework for online teaching and to answer the following research question: Are post pandemic undergraduate students more willing to use online learning? The research method is based on responses to a questionnaire survey sent to students in one subject area: legal studies. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is then used to provide a framework to better understand the present and future situation of online education. The conclusion suggests that the recent online teaching experience changed students’ perception on digital pedagogy, indicating a new direction to all educators. Keywords: hybrid education, pandemic, digital skills, online learning, SWOT analysis "