Students' experiences of learning Sciences during the Covid-19 pandemic and their suggestions for the next day: A Greek University Department case study

TL;DR

This study explores Greek university students' experiences with online science education during COVID-19, their preferences for future learning models, and suggestions for improving post-pandemic education.

Contribution

It provides insights into students' reactions to distance learning in sciences and offers their recommendations for future educational strategies post-COVID-19.

Findings

Students experienced significant challenges with online learning.

Many students prefer a blended learning approach for the future.

Economic factors and residence influence learning preferences.

Abstract

Around the globe Covid-19 pandemic has influenced not only the education, but also our everyday life, among other aspects. In Greece, distance learning started to get in use widely in tertiary education, since the first national lockdown was announced and reshaped education in many ways. In the University of Thessaly, in the Department of Mathematics, undergraduate students opt a lot of different courses to attend and due to the Covid-19 crisis all of them are taught via web platforms. Some of the most significant theoretical subjects are "Calculus" (with applications in Science and Mechanics), "Physics" (Classical Mechanics) and "Philosophy of Science". In addition, some other applied subjects are "Programming Languages" and "Digital Technologies in Mathematics Education" and the impact the above have, generally in education and society itself. In this paper, we describe the different ways students have reacted regarding learning Sciences in a distance learning environment. We split our case study in two parts. The first one is about the way students experience e-learning and the second one is about their suggestions for the next day. Integrating e-questionnaires and interviews and taking into account parameters like economic factors and the permanent residence issue, we asked the students about their preferences among face-to-face learning, distance learning and a blended model. Remarks about the academic life and the possible ways of taking the extra step, after the Covid-19 crisis ceases to exist, are made.