Abstract:

The theoretical literature suggests that along with the great benefits of online learning, it also has many downsides, one of which is distractions. Learning while engaging in other activities distracts the students from the lesson and makes learning difficult. This study examines the level of distractions during online learning and the factors that explain it. We also examined the correlation between distractions and different factors, such as gender, differences between undergraduate and graduate students, and a camera opening during online lessons. The study is quantitative and based on a statistical analysis of a questionnaire distributed online during the Covid-19 period; all the students studied online due to social distancing restrictions. One hundred nine higher education students participated in this study. The main findings show two main types of distractions in distance learning: digital distractions and environmental distractions. The digital distractions are stronger than the environmental ones. We also found a difference between undergraduate students and graduate students in the level of distraction and a negative correlation between camera opening and distraction. The main conclusions of this study are that to reduce the level of distraction and focus attention on learning during online learning, students need to increase their use of cameras and remove the cell phone from the study room.

Keywords:

Distance learning, Covid-19, distractions, cameras.