THE ROLE OF DISTANCE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to present the analysis of the functioning of distance learning in the educational system in Serbia during Covid-19 pandemic, and to draw conclusions on the readiness of the system for such and similar situations. More specific, the objective is to consider the role of distance learning in these circumstances, bearing in mind the fact that only in primary and secondary schools nearly 750,000 students and some 80,000 teachers were forced to use one or the other distance learning method. COVID-19 pandemics has affected educational systems in Serbia and worldwide alike, posing unimaginable logistic and technological challenges, forcing teachers to teach in new and unfamiliar ways. The paper first provides an overview of the most commonly used distance learning platforms and applications, in general and especially during a pandemic. In particular, research was conducted on students' attitudes about distance learning during the pandemic. The data obtained from a survey conducted at the Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade is also analysed. The paper points out that the impact of the pandemic will clearly be far-reaching and widespread, raising the issue of its possible long-term significance for the education in general, and the educational system in Serbia in particular. The paper also points to the need of generation of new ICT skills in education. Technology has taken roots in education and will continue to play the key role in educating generations to come. With knowledge just a click away, the role of teachers will inevitably change.