Community College Student Perceptions of Remote Learning Shifts Due to COVID-19

• Published in: TechTrends 2021-07, Vol.65 (4), p.576-588
• Main Authors: Prokes, Christopher, Housel, Jacqueline
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Access to Education; Blended Learning; College students; Colleges & universities; Community Colleges; Computer Mediated Communication; Contingency; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Demographics; Distance Education; Education; Educational Change; Educational Experience; Educational Technology; Family Work Relationship; Handheld Devices; Internet; Laptop Computers; Learning; Learning and Instruction; Learning Processes; Mental Health; Online Courses; Original Paper; Pandemics; Prior Learning; Resource Allocation; Self Esteem; Smartphones; Social Support Groups; Student Attitudes; Student Employment; Students; Teaching Methods; Technology utilization; Telecommunications; Two Year College Students
• ISSN: 8756-3894; 1559-7075
• DOI: 10.1007/s11528-021-00587-8

COVID-19 challenged higher education to rapidly shift to remote course delivery. This study surveyed community college students ( N  = 356) about their confidence in completing learning related tasks before and after the shift, access to technologies used in in remote learning, and disruptions that impacted their learning. Results indicated notable declines in confidence across all demographics with significant changes in those age 18-21and for those without prior online course experience. Technology use for remote courses was primarily laptops and smartphones. Students reported the most significant changes to work-life balance came through employment changes and mental health issues. Instructional changes were both positive and negative in workload organization, course delivery, communication and technology. Institutions can use this study’s findings to enact contingency planning, expand online and blended course options, refine academic and social support, and allocate resources to mental health.