Education Crisis—Digital Solutions After Covid-19

Abstract

Pandemic effects can generate demotivation and dissatisfaction, or even discomfort, since it is an activity and structure built based on relationships, largely in face-to-face relationships, which make the pedagogical act a moment of interaction and sharing. We are particularly interested in the digital transformation pushed forward by the COVID-19 pandemic concerning higher education students. During a state of emergency, teleworking is mandatory as the work function and classes are compatible with eLearning and homework. Digital Technology looks closely at one significant facet of our rapidly evolving digital lives: how technology radically changes our lives as teachers and students. The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has paralyzed life around the world, reporting restrictive measures (that include avoidance of social interactions and the prohibition of circulation between national and international territories) that were considered non-essential activities like factories, services, and including all the educational institutions. Even Erasmus and International programs were canceled. This research project focuses on the needs and strategies, including the scaling up of investments in Information and communication technologies (ICT) education and training, and efficient management of the well-being of students and teachers. The study was carried out in a higher education institution located in the northern region of Portugal, with approximately 800 students. The methodology used was a documentary, through indicators of student satisfaction and success. Comparisons were made, for both students and teachers, with the homologous situation for the year 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, previous Covid-19, and after this pandemic situation.