Psychosemantic research of students’ representations about distance education during COVID-19

Abstract

Due to the widespread danger of coronavirus infection SARS-COV-2, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, advanced readiness measures were taken in the Russian Federation, restricting movement and using exclusively distance educational technologies in educational organizations. The aim of the study is to assess the perceptions of students of psychological and pedagogical departments about distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The study involved students of psychological and pedagogical departments of Tyumen State University (n = 353) and Kurgan State University (n = 53). A semantic field of 3,654 words (sometimes phrases) was obtained by the method of free associations to the stimulus "distant learning format under quarantine conditions". Results. The semantic field of self-awareness of students in conditions of distance learning due to COVID-19 quarantine is generally characterized by a stable, positive background. The associative array is focused on being at home (observing the prescribed self-isolation regime) in comfortable conditions, completing assignments (reading, writing) while at the computer, and striving to complete tasks before the deadline indicated by the teacher. Of the most frequently used associations of conventionally negative connotations, only indications of complexity and duration can be distinguished. The difficulty is associated with the need to master academic information without direct contact with teachers (before the universities left the "technical vacation" on COVID-19, the use of ZOOM and MicrosoftTeams services was not common among teachers). Conclusions. The basic needs of students for the most part are not frustrated, somatic and psychological stress symptoms are significant. The needs for communication and self-development are not stressful. Students are involved in the educational process, but have cognitive difficulties in material digestion online. The main focus of attention is shifted to the educational process, meeting a needs for knowledge, meeting the requirements of the educational process, which suggests the focus of students' (psychologists) ideas on involvement in the educational process during the COVID-19 pandemic.