The effect of post COVID-19 on public higher education institutes – external studies

Abstract

Many academic institutes were forced to close their campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop alternative teaching programs. In this pioneering study, we examine the effect of COVID-19 on the off-campus learning experience of university students in public institutes that is in addition to the on-campus learning experience. Off-campus learning is defined as a learning experience that complements frontal learning and includes digital courses from other academic institutions, lessons given by private/commercial entities, and classes given outside the campuses by external practitioners. The study is a quantitative study based on a survey of attitudes conducted among students, in a case study of a university in Israel. The study involved 118 students from the Faculty of Engineering at a public university. The study was conducted shortly after the return of students to the campus, following the long periods of off-campus studies. We examined the dimensions of online teaching, based on the theory and model of Hativa (2015). In addition, we analyzed the statements that express students ' perceptions of online teaching. The results of the study show an unambiguous picture: The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the learning habits of students. This revolution is very quiet, but very significant and is characterized by reduced attendance of students on the campuses, and by a significant involvement of private/commercial entities in the academic programs. Information about the trends of off-campus courses sheds light not only on the learning habits of students today, but also draws lines on possible future learning trends. Keywords: Higher education, COVID-19 pandemic, off-campus learning, digital courses.