An analysis and comparison of the learning experiences of 4th year Business students in TUD Blanchardstown before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brought about the closure of schools and third-level institutions across the world, causing teaching and assessment to switch from face-to-face to online. The objective of this research is to analyse and compare the learning experiences of college students before and during the pandemic. It presents a cross-sectional study of fourth-year business-faculty students at Technological University Dublin, using a mixed-method approach that included two focus groups and the distribution of a questionnaire. Findings from the focus groups highlighted students’ perceptions of a lack of interaction with lecturers and with other students, but greater flexibility in online learning. The questionnaire found that students perceived that examinations were fairer during the online period, but they reported poorer engagement with their course, reduced concentration, reduced motivation and mental-health impairment. Variations between modules were found, but most students felt that a form of blended learning would be ideal in the future. It is suggested that the use of online learning needs to be tailored to the needs of the student and the particular subject in order to maximise benefits in educational delivery.