Remote Learning Experience of College Teachers in Israel during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Online education has evolved as an alternative to face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic both in schools and in higher education. The positive implications of planed remote learning have been explored however, online teaching in response to a disaster incur limitations especially, in sessions designed for educational staff training. This study explores experiences and perceptions of college teachers and instructors while participating in online sessions. Thematic analysis found two aspects arising from the participants' experience: (a) most of the participants struggled to overcome technical difficulties that undermined group intimacy; (b) learning was perceived by most of the participants as ineffective due to interpersonal communication problems and online facilitating issues. These findings provide more evidence to ineffectiveness of communication in online sessions. In addition, this study have implications for remote training programs for both, teachers and students, and the development of video conferencing as a mode of communication in professional contexts.