Students' insights on the impact of digital remote learning

The main goal of this study was to analyse the various factors that influenced students' experiences during the period of digital remote learning (DRL). This involved exploring the challenges they faced, such as technical difficulties, limited personal interaction with instructors and peers, and issues with internet connectivity. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the aspects of DRL that students found convenient and beneficial. A 17-question survey was conducted with 147 students from seven academic specialties, yielding diverse insights into their experiences. The findings from this study strongly suggest that remote learning can serve as a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction when implemented effectively. Nevertheless, the results also indicate that students exhibit ambivalence towards this teaching approach, likely stemming from the negative experiences they encountered during the transition. Many reported feeling a lack of direct engagement with educators and fellow students, as well as challenges associated with relying on technology for their learning. The results revealed that a blended method, which combines face-to-face teaching with online resources, was favoured by 72% of students. This hybrid model not only addresses the shortcomings of purely DRL but also enhances the educational experience by providing opportunities for in-person interaction and collaboration, thus fostering a more supportive learning environment. Institutions will benefit from implementing alternative DRL mode programs. Such initiatives will provide students with enhanced options and increased flexibility in achieving their academic objectives. By adopting these programs, institutions can better accommodate diverse learning preferences and extend support to a wider range of students.