The distance education process in the National School of Public Administration and Local Government (ESDDA): a necessity or an opportunity to modernise learning?

Abstract

This article refers to the distance learning process that took place in the National School of Public Administration and Local Government (ESDDA) between March 2020 and July 2020, as the normal face-to-face courses could not be taught due to the pandemic. The investigation and analysis of the implementation parameters of distance education, aimed to highlight both the positive and negative educational practices that were applied as well as the identification of a modern educational model in times of crisis. The data collection method was mixed including an appropriate combination of qualitative and quantitative research for the most complete and in-depth approach of all involved and the evaluation of all parameters of the educational process and all parameters of the topic to highlight the pros and cons of educational practices that were implemented. The results of the evaluation of the process by students and educators are analyzed and presented in addition to the conclusions and proposals of the instructional designers, and the organizationally responsible executives of ESDDA.The aims of the research were to find if the adaptation to the distance education process was effective and efficient. Moreover, to determine the teachers' and students' views about distance learning and which teaching and learning practices they adopted during the remote process. Also, to specify the synchronous and asynchronous education tools they mostly or least used and define the obstacles they encountered during the remote learning process.