Advantages of information technology use on digital distance education during COVID-19

Abstract

In response to the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 the governments of almost 200 countries ordered the total or partial closure of education facilities, known as "lockdown", in order to minimize high rates of transmission of the virus (IESALC-UNESCO, 2020). In Mexico, from mid-March 2020 social isolation was implemented and all face-to-face classes suspended. This triggered widespread use of information technology and quickly became an essential resource to the educational sector in response to lockdown.The study aims to analyze the perception of undergraduate students enrolled in distance education courses, about the advantages of online classes. A non-probabilistic sampling method was used resulting in a sample size of 205 subjects. The sample was quantitively assessed using structural equation models, controlled by gender and considers as predictor variables the benefits of virtual tools and ease of interaction with; professors, learning materials and dialogue with classmates. This study intends to contribute to the development of requirements for online education to promote equity and augment quality. The analysis found that perception of pedagogical online tools and dialogue with classmates has a positive perception and significantly enhances their view about the advantages of online courses. The research infers that the students’ perception about pedagogical tools is a key variable, with their disposition towards technology use fluctuating depending on their digital proficiency. The professor’s feedback through forums does not represent an advantage in distance learning. The study highlights the need to improve virtual teaching resources around the visual learning style.