Evaluation of the reflections of pandemic (COVID-19) on university education from the perspective of faculty

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic and rapid changes along with some problems in education. Analysing the situation in question and making suggestions on the subject are important for the ongoing process. It is aimed to evaluate the changes in the education system during COVID-19 pandemic process from the perspective of academicians. In-depth reviews were conducted with 20 academicians working in Faculty of Sciences and Arts in Kirsehir Ahi Evran University. The data obtained from the interviews were analysed with computer based program, Maxqda 2020.4. The analysis indicated that the motivation of the academicians was negatively affected by the pandemic process. Not being able to get feedback on distance learning or communicate with the students and students’ being inactive during the courses have been put forward as problematic areas. Academicians also emphasized that the measurement and evaluation process did not work well, but they made attempts to improve it. It was also observed that there exists the idea that distance education and technological elements would be more involved in education even after the pandemic is over. This study helps us to understand how technology has become a fundamental part of our lives. It also unearthed how we could fight against the problems, including educational ones, which a worldwide pandemic caused. Firstly, with the distance education system we were able to continue to carry out educational activities. Later on, we have come to realise that distance education has so many advantages that it should be integrated with face-to-face education and used more often even after the pandemic.