The Use of Digital Technologies and Learning in a Digital Environment: An Example of Students at the University of Novi Sad

Gorana Vojčić, Maja Bosanac

Abstract


Analog learning environments are often combined with, or in some cases completely replaced by digital environments – a trend that has been particularly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. To gain insight into students’ perceptions, practices, and experiences regarding the use of digital technologies and learning in digital environment, a qualitative study was conducted employing in-depth interview techniques. The research sample consisted of 14 students from the University of Novi Sad, with equal representation from the different fields: social sciences and humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, technical and technological sciences, medical sciences, and the arts. By exploring students’ perspectives, our study aimed to contribute to the body of research conducted in the post-pandemic period. The research results were interpreted within four sections, starting with an examination of the broader context and the use of digital technologies in students’ daily lives, including entertainment and relaxation, communication and connectivity, and extending to information and learning. The second section focuses on the use of digital technologies in the context of learning, while the third section is dedicated to the application of digital technologies and learning in a digital environment during the teaching process. Following this, the study explores perceptions and possibilities for the coexistence of different teaching models. Based on the reviewed literature and the results of the conducted research, the conclusion is drawn that the pandemic, as a contextual factor, potentially influenced students’ negative attitudes toward online education, given that it was a case of “emergency remote education” rather than planned online education. On the other hand, the primary purpose of using digital technologies and learning in digital environment is identified as accessing learning materials.In this context, the study of Open Educational Resources (OER) may gain increasing importance in the future. Although all students report using digital technologies in the context of learning and teaching, differences in the scope, frequency, and manner of their application are noticeable. Among the variables studied, affiliation with a specific field of study was found to be more relevant for participants’ responses compared to gender and average grade.

Keywords


digital environment; anlog environment; students; field of study

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.51558/2490-3647.2024.9.2.1169

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