DISTANCE LEARNING AT UNIVERSITIES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PILOT COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: The study shows the effect real distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on learning the fundamental advantages and disadvantages of online education. Methods: Based on empirical research, the results of a questionnaire survey among students of selected universities in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine were collected. The aim of this survey was to show the main advantages and disadvantages of online teaching, and at the same time to check the level of readiness for this type of teaching on the part of educational institutions. The research used the diagnostic survey method, the survey technique. Results: The results confirm the relatively high level of skills of the respondents in the area of using information and communication technologies. In the same way, the online teaching method is perceived as very advantageous in terms of time and organization. A fundamental disadvantage is the absence of social contact both between students and with the teacher. Similarly, the quality of materials and the readiness of educators for online teaching were rated at a low level. Conclusion: This study has been instrumental in uncovering the greatest challenges associated with online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its discussion and conclusion sections include suggestions for the possible implications for higher education theory and practice, further research, and further development of distance education.