Distance learning in university during lockdown: critical aspects and possibilities
Alberto Arenghi, Giulia Bencini, Marisa Pavone, Giulia Savarese
This study aimed at reporting the perspectives and experiences of university students with disabilities and specific learning impairments with respect to distance learning (DL) during the lockdown phase due to Covid-19. Specifically, we report the results of questionnaire-based interviews in three Italian Universities: «Ca’ Foscari» University of Venice, University of Brescia, and University of Salerno about the experiences of students with special educational needs during the four months lockdown phase (from late February/March 2020 to May/June 2020). The results show an overall positive response to distance learning, but also highlight several difficulties. Common problems were difficulties with connectivity and infrastructure, but also social and emotional problems due to reduced inter-personal relationships with faculty and peers. In addition to reporting the specific difficulties encountered by University students with special educational needs during the DL phase, we offer some suggestions to improve the quality of higher education during the next phases in the months to follow. In line with what emerges from the student interviews in all three of the Universities we advocate for a flexible, mixed system, to better respond to the specific local characteristics of each University and student population. Our suggestions for improvement are aimed at enhancing the quality of education for all students.
Keywords
Sanitary emergency, lockdown, distance learning, Higher Education, students with disabilities, specific learning impairments.
