STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE ON SHIFTING FROM ON-CAMPUS TO DIGITAL EDUCATION : A qualitative study on the effects of the unexpected change from on-campus to digital education from Malmö university systems development students perspective

Abstract: Context: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in many changes in education, and it is reasonable to expect that this change would have a significant effect on students. According to government recommendations, many educational institutions around the world have temporarily switched to online learning methods to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the sudden shift to online learning, imposed on students due to COVID-19 outbreak.Method: We started a systematic mapping study and analyzed the findings thematically. Furthermore, we conducted interviews with Malmö University students, which were then analyzed using the same approach.Results: We identified 23 publications that were grouped into 9 themes based on student reports of different effects of online education. According to the findings, students often experience technical issues when studying online. Many students believe that communication is crucial for a positive online learning experience. Research also shows that online education benefits students by allowing them to be more flexible and improving their self-study habits. The systematic mapping study on the interview showed that the students did not experience any significant challenges related to technical issues. Many students missed the social aspect of online education and experienced challenges such as lack of communication and difficulties to perform academically.Conclusion: The most significant challenges found were communication and academic performance. Students claim they have lost some or all ways of contact with their peers as a result of the transition to online learning, and the majority believe this has made it more difficult for them to perform academically. The findings cannot be generalized outside of higher institutions in Sweden since different countries have different levels of technological infrastructure which is critical for institutions and for providing students with a smooth and reliable online learning experience.