Abstract:

The publication is an attempt to review the problems with distance e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the way in which the restrictions affect the training process of engineers in Computer Systems and Technologies at the University of Ruse. A study was conducted on a group of 22 students last year studying in a 10 week semester. Their technical readiness for full-fledged training was monitored and an analysis of their motivation for participation in the learning process was made.

The target of the research was to evaluate the student’s motivation during the online teaching process. Some statistical analysis is performed in order determine their equipment for any of the workshops, since this is critical for its successful conduction. It was interesting to find out that many of the students refuse to use microphone and camera.

This is a clear signal that most of them lack motivation for the learning process, which in the conditions of distance learning is extremely harmful for the educational process. Of course, some students are motivated and take an active part in the workshops in all possible ways. However, it cannot be denied that on the one hand, the distance learning provides the perfect opportunity for some students to simply be present virtually, away from their computers, and on the other hand there is no way for the trainer to influence or control this process. Formally, most of the students are online, but in practice they are probably not present in front of their computers, judging by the lack of activity on their side. This is a demotivating factor for both the trainer and the other participants in the process. It is very difficult and sometimes impossible for the workshops to take place in an interactive dialogue mode. Despite its shortcomings, distance learning also has its advantages - when it comes to motivated students who are eager to learn something new and experiment. In the general case, however, the teacher is forced to turn the exercise into a lecture, and the practical part into a presentation of an approach or technique, because otherwise he loses a significant part of the audience.

Keywords:

e-learning problems, distance learning problems, engineering education in the Pandemic COVID19.