Distance Learning Research Articles

Study on the Practice of Ideological and Political Education in Foreign Trade Correspondence on Teaching in English- Taking the 7C Principleas an Example

In the new era, integrating ideological and political elements into professional courses, strengthening the shaping of students' values, and actively guiding college students to establish correct values. This article analyzes the practice of ideological and political education based on the 7C principles of foreign trade correspondence by English teaching. Starting from the advantages of ideological and political construction in foreign trade correspondence courses, the socialist core values are compared with the "7P principles" of writing in foreign trade correspondence courses. It is found that their content is consistent with the "7C principles", especially the basic moral norms of citizens, namely "patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendliness", which can be combined with the content of the 7C principles for teaching. During the teaching process, classroom discussion, case analysis, and vivid deduction methods can be used to effectively carry out ideological and political education on foreign trade correspondence by English teaching.

“My Anxiety Has Been Heightened”: Black Mothers’ Concerns Regarding Children’s Return to In-person Learning Following COVID-19-Related Remote Learning

Black mothers experienced heightened concern about their children returning to in-person learning following COVID-19 related remote learning. Guided by critical race theory and racial protectionism, we sought to deepen our understanding of Black mothers’ concerns and experiences related to their preschoolers’ return to in-person learning during the 2021 to 2022 academic school year. We conducted five focus groups. Eighteen Black mothers (mean age = 32.90 years) of children enrolled in prekindergarten in the recently ended school year participated in a focus group with an average of 4 participants per focus group. Using reflexive thematic analysis, researchers generated the following themes: children contracting COVID-19, classroom closures and instructional concerns, bullying from other students, and school shootings. Study findings provide insight into Black mothers’ protectionism and concerns about educational systems, emphasizing the need to address health and physical safety concerns in early childhood settings to reduce educational disparities.

Perception of translation competence among master’s degree graduates in translation and interpreting: a quantitative study

ABSTRACT In a global context increasingly prone to e-learning formats at all levels of education, especially in and after the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the acquisition of skills in distance learning programmes should not differ from the ones in onsite learning programmes. The main objective of this study is to analyse the perception that master’s in translation and interpreting (TIS) graduates have of the competences acquired during their studies offered by higher education institutions in Spain. This will be done by means of a questionnaire that uses a 4-point Likert scale to collect evaluations of different issues related to the translation skills of 256 graduates. Our results indicate that the mode of study (face-to-face or distance) does not influence graduates’ perceptions. Finally, we conclude that the graduates’ perception is positive.

The Psychological Effects of Remote Learning on Students: Examining Social Isolation, Anxiety, and Self-Discipline

This study examines the psychological effects of remote learning on students, with a focus on social isolation, anxiety, and self-discipline, along with related factors like motivation and time management. Using data from 500 university students, a quantitative correlational analysis found a significant positive correlation between social isolation and anxiety (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), indicating that reduced in-person interaction intensifies emotional stress. Self-discipline emerged as a moderating factor, helping students with higher levels of self-regulation to maintain academic performance despite isolation and anxiety. Regression analysis showed that higher anxiety negatively impacts both self-discipline (B = -0.30, p < 0.01) and academic performance (B = -0.35, p < 0.01). Motivation and time management also positively correlated with academic engagement (r = 0.60, p < 0.01) and performance, highlighting their importance in online learning success. This study contributes to frameworks such as Baumeister and Leary’s "need to belong," Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory, and Zimmerman’s Self-Regulated Learning theory, emphasizing the critical role of social and emotional support in student resilience. Practical recommendations include offering mental health resources, enhancing virtual peer connections, and incorporating self-regulation training into curricula. These findings underscore the importance of addressing students' psychological needs to foster both academic success and emotional well-being in online education. Future research should explore the long-term effects of remote learning and evaluate targeted interventions to enhance students’ resilience and engagement.

The Effect of Distance Learning on Technological Skills by English Language Teachers at Nablus Primary Governmental Schools

The study aimed at measuring the effect of distance learning on technological skills by English language teachers at Nablus primary governmental schools. It also determines the obstacles of technological skills during distance learning by English language teachers and suggests some appropriate solutions to these obstacles. To achieve the objectives of this study, the descriptive-analytical methodology was used. An online questionnaire was distributed to (231) teachers. The SPSS program was used to analyze the questionnaire data. The results showed a high degree of possessing technological skills by English language teachers during distance learning at Nablus primary governmental schools. According to the study results, the researchers recommended conducting further studies about technological skills during distance learning.

Neck pain and distance learning: A pain in the neck for university students during COVID-19

Objective The shift to online learning during COVID-19 led to increased musculoskeletal discomforts and impacted students’ quality of life. Neck pain (NP), once a minor issue, has become more prevalent due to prolonged electronic device use in new learning methods. This study aims to measure the prevalence of NP among University of Sharjah (UOS) students during the COVID-19 online learning period and to investigate the factors that provoked it. Methods This study focused on young adult students aged 17-26 and did not consider gender or athletic status due to the university’s demographics and pandemic restrictions. Demographic data, Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments, and pain management information were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 24 through univariate and bivariate methods. Results The prevalence of NP during COVID-19, among 325 UOS students was found to be 62.7%, 64.41% of which had NP at the time of doing the survey. NDI scores were found to be skewed. The median was 16% which indicates mild NP while the interquartile range was 19.11. Most participants reported experiencing posterior neck pain (38.77%), primarily attributed to prolonged sitting (81.23%). Factors such as lifting, personal care, and emotional well-being were found to have a significant impact on NDI. Participants who did not seek medical attention exhibited significantly higher levels of neck pain disability, as measured by the NDI. The median NDI score for this group was 20, with an interquartile range of 16.89 while, those who sought medical attention had a higher median NDI score of 34 with interquartile range of 22. Conclusion This study highlights the prevalence of neck pain among UOS students, emphasizing the need for postural improvements and further research on prevention strategies in the UAE.

THEORETICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN DISTANCE LEARNING: AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING RESOURCES IN THE PEDAGOGY COURSE

This study analyzes the challenges and demands of students in the Pedagogy Distance Education Course at UFPR in relation to theoretical and technological knowledge. The research, of a qualitative and exploratory-descriptive nature, was conducted based on the netnographic methodology, examining the interaction of students with analog and digital teaching resources. Responses were collected from 41 students, through questionnaires applied in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The results indicate that, although analog resources are still widely used and valued by students, digital technologies have become increasingly present and essential in the educational process. Among the main digital resources highlighted are the use of notebooks, cell phones, videoconferencing platforms, and digital materials. The study highlights the difficulties faced by students in managing these tools, especially in the context of the pandemic, which accelerated the transition to digital education. It is concluded that the integration between analog and digital resources is fundamental to meet the contemporary demands of Distance Education, requiring pedagogical planning that promotes inclusion and technological accessibility for all students, in order to enhance learning and promote effective teacher training.

The Introduction of Automation in Control of Virtualized Laboratory Complex Components at Higher Educational Institution

The intensity of the use of remote work and learning tools has increased significantly during the pandemic and has led to the emergence of new tools and a significant increase in the capabilities of previously developed technology platforms. The introduc­tion of modern technologies based on software control and complex visualization for the creation of virtual laboratory complexes in educational institutions provides virtually unlimited opportunities for organizing individual and distance forms of practical classes. Modern learning management platforms that able to integrate with the database of university students makes it possible to evaluate the quality of students' work with various types of course learning materials in real time. The article shows that the use of virtual communication infrastructures in connection to the Moodle learning management platform will provide end-to-end control of the theoretical and practical components of the educational process and will automate the processes of preparing and conducting practical classes, which will improve the quality of the educational process and the teacher efficiency.

АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ ПІДГОТОВКИ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ ПРЕДМЕТІВ ПРИРОДНИЧОГО ЦИКЛУ В УМОВАХ РЕФОРМИ НУШ

The article examines the actual issues of training future teachers of science subjects in the context of the reform of the New Ukrainian School. Special attention is paid to the role of STEM education, environmental awareness, inclusive teaching methods, and teacher training to work in a multilingual environment. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of the training of future teachers of science subjects in the conditions of the reform of the National Academy of Sciences. Research methods. A complex of the following methods was used during the research: theoretical - analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization, specification, comparison, theoretical modeling; empirical - questionnaires, interviews, analysis of the results of students' activities. Research results. The training of future teachers of natural sciences takes place in the context of the modernization of the educational system. Strengthening practical skills also becomes a priority, in particular through laboratory classes and work in the field. In addition, the role of digital technologies in the educational process is growing. Teachers must be able to use a variety of online resources and virtual labs to improve teaching effectiveness. In particular, this concerns the use of platforms for distance learning, which is becoming relevant in the conditions of modern challenges. Particular attention should be paid to the formation of competencies in the field of STEM, which are becoming more and more in demand. Taking into account modern environmental challenges, teachers should be ready to educate schoolchildren in environmental awareness. Also, during the reform, the value of inclusive education increases, which requires teachers to be able to adapt teaching methods for children with different educational needs.

МОЖЛИВОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ МОБІЛЬНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ ПІД ЧАС ПРОВЕДЕННЯ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО ФІЗИЧНОГО ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТУ

The article discusses modern approaches to the integration of mobile technologies into the educational process, in particular during physical experiments. The potential of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to perform experimental tasks in physics has been analyzed, which significantly expands the capabilities of educational laboratories and increases the efficiency of the educational process. The purpose of the article is to clarify the expediency of using mobile technologies during the organization and conduct of an educational physical experiment. The research was based on a comprehensive approach, which included the analysis of scientific and methodical sources, periodicals, Internet resources regarding the possibilities of using mobile technologies in the educational process, in particular in the study of physics. Modern mobile applications, tools and platforms that can be used in educational physical experiments were also analyzed. The main attention is paid to mobile applications that make it possible to measure physical quantities, model and visualize physical processes in real time. The use of such technologies greatly simplifies conducting experiments both in the classroom and in distance learning conditions. It is emphasized that mobile technologies make it possible to reduce the need for expensive laboratory equipment. This makes education more accessible to a wide range of students. The advantages of using mobile technologies during physical experiments are highlighted, including convenience, accessibility, the possibility of instant data analysis and their visualization. In addition, the issue of individualization of training is taken into account, when each student can work independently at his own pace, using various applications and technologies. Mobile devices allow you to conduct physical experiments even at home, which significantly expands the opportunities for independent work of students.

Family Social Capital and Sustainable Well-Being: Navigating Chinese Adolescents’ Well-Being During COVID-19 Lockdown

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption as governments took actions to limit the spread of the virus. Measures such as physical distancing and lockdowns changed living conditions, leading to challenges such as social isolation and reduced connectedness. This study explores COVID-19’s impact on adolescents’ well-being, emphasising family social capital, which refers to supportive adult-child relationships that foster well-being and enhance remote learning. Quantitative data was collected through an online survey from August 2022 to August 2023, involving 4008 students and 3511 parents. Semi-structured interviews with six students and their parents (either the mother or the father) provided in-depth insights into the perceived role of family social capital in shaping adolescents’ well-being during quarantine. Quantitative data revealed that parental education level significantly influenced adolescents’ self-reported well-being and resilience, and family income influenced parents’ perceptions of their children’s well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the importance of strong family bonds, effective parent-child relationships, and robust family support in mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged home quarantine. The research also discovered the role of adolescents’ agency in building social capital through web-based communities. The study contributes to understanding Chinese adolescents’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing implications for supporting their well-being in the post-pandemic era.

Exploring distance learning in rural private schools in the Philippines: Challenges, coping mechanisms, and model development

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the educational landscape, impacting not only public schools but also private learning institutions. This study explores the experiences of private schools at the administrative and faculty levels, focusing on the challenges encountered and the coping mechanisms employed in implementing distance learning. A descriptive phenomenology research design was used, emphasizing the subjective experiences of private school administrators and teachers. The researchers applied phenomenology to understand the core structure of their experiences in remote teaching and learning, with the goal of informing best practices and guiding potential changes in policies, theories, or responses to distance learning.Private schools faced a range of challenges due to this sudden shift, including insufficient professional preparation for teachers and inadequate technological infrastructure, both of which significantly affected the quality of distance learning. Despite these constraints, school leaders and teachers collaborated to propose strategies for mitigating the impact of these challenges. Key recommendations include prioritizing internet connectivity as a basic project for IT infrastructure with the support of school personnel and community leaders. Additional strategies involve offering diverse teaching modalities, conducting learner assessments, establishing effective communication and feedback systems, practicing efficient time management, fostering positive relationships, demonstrating professional integrity, advocating for ongoing training and simplified instruction, and recognizing the unique value of each learner within their academic environment.

Intervention with institutional caregivers for the purpose of supportive education for disadvantaged children: 3C

IntroductionChildren in institutional care may have limited access to educational opportunities compared to children in parental care. Improving and enriching the educational practices of these children is important for their well-being. In this study, the Child Development, Communication and Care (3C) Training Program was prepared by the researchers. The 3C education approach emphasizes early childhood development and education. Particular focus is on the use of communication techniques in the education of young children. Our goal with 3C is to increase caregivers’ knowledge of child development and support them to communicate effectively with children. Through this curriculum framework, children are encouraged to interact effectively and empathically with others. Therefore, the curriculum framework emphasizes understanding emotions and building trusting relationships as key components in the holistic development of young disadvantaged children.MethodsA quasi-experimental design with pre-test-post-control group was used in the study. 16 sessions of 3C were applied to the personnel in the experimental group via distance education. Data were collected from the participants before and after the start of the training program by using the Child Education Competence Scale-Parent Form, Personal Information Form, and Training Evaluation Questionnaire.ResultsAs a result, significant differences were obtained between the experimental and control groups in favor of the group receiving training (z = 3.57, p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be said that 3C contributes to the holistic development of the child.DiscussionIt is hoped that such work could enhance the developmental outcomes of young children in institutional care and improve the quality of early childhood education.

CONECTANDO CONCEITOS: O IMPACTO DOS MAPAS MENTAIS DIGITAIS DINÂMICOS NA APRENDIZAGEM DE SISTEMAS LINEARES

Traditional teaching methods tend to emphasize verbal and linear learning, focusing on isolated information rather than identifying relationships between concepts. However, building meaningful understanding requires visualizing these conceptual interconnections. The shift from a linear approach to integrated network models, such as mind maps, facilitates this knowledge organization, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts. With the advent of distance learning, additional challenges arise in the production of teaching materials, requiring critical reflection on the potentialities and challenges of digital technologies in pedagogical practice. Therefore, this research investigates the effectiveness of using dynamic digital mind maps (DDMM) in learning Electrical Engineering, focusing on the Linear Systems course. The study aims to evaluate, through a data collection instrument, how mind maps can assist students in understanding mathematical and abstract concepts, highlighting two perspectives: how students learn, and their perceptions of meaningful learning based on Digital Educational Resources. The experience emphasized a lesson plan for knowledge construction in the face of the challenges of 21st-century engineering education, developing competencies and skills for solving real and interdisciplinary problems.

Green showcases as a model for the conceptual re-signification of smart tourist destinations applied to the Amazon

This article presents the main functionalities of an autonomous device named S.A.N.D.R.O., powered by solar energy and featuring minimalist computational technology based on the Raspberry Pi. This device was originally conceived to enable the continuity of distance education in regions devoid of connectivity, such as many riverside localities in the Amazon. It became central in equipping schools with the purpose of remotely providing educational resources in crisis situations, as occurred in the year 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources can be accessed through smartphones or kiosks, given that they fully replicate the modus operandi of the Internet, offering users a familiar experience despite the lack of actual internet connectivity. Beyond these adverse periods, one of the possible uses for the artifact is to enhance the ecotourism experience in the region, thereby contributing to transforming it into a Smart Tourist Destination. By adopting an innovative approach that reduces costs for consumers, the device can also be classified as a form of frugal innovation. This classification stems from its minimalist design and cost-effective technology, making advanced services accessible to communities and tourists in remote areas without requiring significant financial investment.

Students’ Challenges with Online Remote Teaching and Learning in South Africa

ABSTRACT Online remote teaching and learning strategies have become part of tertiary institutions worldwide. This knowledge delivery method became more profound during the COVID-19 era, forcing institutions to keep this method even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Most tertiary institutions in African countries, including South Africa, have also embraced online remote teaching and learning strategies. This study investigated the challenges of built environment tertiary students with online remote teaching and learning methods. A qualitative approach was adopted using open-ended interview questions to solicit the views of the built environment tertiary students regarding the challenges they experience with the online remote teaching and learning method. A thematic content analysis method was used to categorize the data into themes and sub-themes. The results show that students face several online remote teaching and learning challenges. These challenges were categorized into power, schedule, technology issues, lack of focus, communication, and cost-related issues. The tertiary institution authorities must address these challenges to ensure the sustainability of online remote learning and teaching as many students work and attend schools, thus relying on this method to acquire knowledge. The study used data from tertiary institutions in South Africa; hence, the findings may not be generalizable to other countries.

Characteristics of medical student education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. After the last pandemic, the university community faced a number of issues related to the management and conduct of training, so improving the quality of education and training of medical students is relevant. The transition to distance learning on various platforms with all kinds of media support, on the one hand, made it possible not to interrupt the educational process during a difficult period of social restrictions, and on the other hand, created a load and stressed both students and teachers of educational institutions. Purpose. To assess the impact of changes on the educational process of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the implementation of distance learning technologies and the use of online platforms, and to identify the need for social support measures to reduce academic burnout and improve students’ psychological resilience. Materials and methods. A comparative observational study was conducted at the Urology Clinic of the Russian University of Medicine, which used an anonymous Internet survey. Two hundred forty eight 4th year medical students were interviewed from 2020 to 2021 and 501 respondents from 2021 to 2022. Results. Two groups of students were compared, distributed according to a time criterion. The most frequent area of application of social networks in the educational process was consultation with teachers and search for information for educational activities. In relation to distance learning, positive responses were received from 170 respondents (68.55%) in group 1 and 342 (68.26%) in group 2, and negative responses from 68 (27.42%) and 127 (25.35%) respondents, respectively. Research limitations. A narrow focus on the sample of medical students, which does not reflect the diversity of opinions and experiences in the wider population, as well as conducting research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions. Given the changes in educational activities against the background of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the lack of regulated norms, rules, and support for students and teachers during this period, comprehensive coverage and development of distance learning methods are necessary.

University Students' Perspectives on the Use of Interactive Presentation Technologies

This study seeks to examine University students' perspectives on the use of interactive presentation technologies (namely Classpoint) in order to foster an interactive learning environment and enhance motivation during remote learning. The sample consisted of 66 students who were currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programmes at Arab Open University. In order to accomplish the objective of the study, a questionnaire consisting of a 20-item Likert scale was devised to assess the efficacy of employing Classpoint in terms of presentations, classroom engagement, and motivation for remote learning as seen by the students. Furthermore, 14 students were subjected to semi-structured interviews. This study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The findings indicated that the utilisation of Classpoint resulted in heightened classroom engagement and enhanced students' enthusiasm for remote education. The findings also indicated a strong inclination among students to utilise Classpoint for establishing an engaging learning atmosphere during remote education. Furthermore, there were statistically significant variations in the average scores based on the students' educational level, favouring those enrolled in the master's programme. However, no statistically significant difference was observed based on the students' gender. Moreover, the findings indicated that there were no statistically significant disparities in student motivation for remote learning based on educational level and gender. Additionally, the qualitative analysis revealed a substantial enhancement in student motivation because of using Classpoint.

Creativity disposition on entrepreneurial attitude and intentions: A comparison between regular and distance (blended) learning university students

This study examined the entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of conventional and blended learning students at a technical university in Ghana, using the theory of planned behaviour as a framework. Hypotheses were formulated to examine the moderating role of university support systems on the relationship between creativity disposition and entrepreneurial intentions. Data from 372 students were gathered through an online survey and analyzed using Smart-PLS software. Results indicated that creativity and attitudes toward entrepreneurship positively influenced entrepreneurial intent in both student groups, with attitude partially mediating the creativity-intent link. However, university support negatively moderated this relationship. A multi-group analysis showed no significant difference in EIs between the two student cohorts. Recommendations were made for the adoption of hybrid learning and policy considerations for universities.

Veterinary medicine under COVID-19: a mixed-methods analysis of student and practitioner experiences in Austria

BackgroundThis study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the pandemic’s impact on the veterinary profession and education in Austria.MethodsTwo online surveys were conducted from November 2022 to January 2023, inviting all veterinarians and veterinary students in Austria to share their experiences on the impact of the pandemic on their veterinarian work and education in a free text question.ResultsA total of n = 289 veterinarians and n = 272 veterinary students provided an answer. In summary, 39.8% of veterinarians reported no impact by the pandemic, while others experienced changes in workload (19.7%), changes in client behavior (14.9%), implementation of safety measures (13.1%), and organizational changes (13.1%). Additional impacts included effects on mental health, private life, finances, as well as physical health. Changes were more frequently mentioned in veterinarians working with pets compared to those working with livestock. In the student panel, only a minority reported no significant impact (8.1%) but 44.9% reporting changes due to online and hybrid learning. Key issues included impaired learning conditions (34.9%), and social distancing (34.6%) leading to social isolation. Some students appreciated increased flexibility and reduced commuting (10.7%), while others experienced mental health challenges (10.7%). Further impacts were related to the implementation of safety measures (5.5%), organizational changes (4.8%) and impaired physical health due to infection (1.1%). Negative changes related to distance learning were mainly reported by students in the final study phase, whereas those in the first study phase reported more positive aspects related to online/hybrid learning.ConclusionOverall, this study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary education and professional practice in Austria, revealing diverse challenges for students and relatively lower but still notable effects on practicing veterinarians. Future research should monitor these impacts longitudinally and explore the integration of beneficial practices into standard veterinary education and care, such as effective digital learning platforms and appointment-based systems.