2023 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 95-99
This study reviews previous research on distance education and e-learning and assesses the status of online classes during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Considering that online classes are as effective as face-to-face classes, it is important to design courses and utilize information and communications technology based on the formerʼs characteristics. It is also necessary to re-examine the meaning of conducting face-to-face classes, and consider ways to combine face-to-face and online educational activities, including learning environment and learning support.
This study showcases the results of an interview survey on the universityʼs learning environment and learning support before and after the pandemic. The results pertain to three aspects: 1) difference before and after the pandemic 2) the learning environment (including learning spaces plus learning support), 3) the evaluation of learning outcomes and learning environment.
An increasing number of universities have been offering study counseling and other services online, both during and after the pandemic. This necessitates that the changes in the learning of students who opt for online classes be captured along with the methods of providing learning support. Regarding the learning environment perspective (including space plus learning support), the importance of the following philosophies is discussed: “combining both physical and electronic spaces is a learning commons in the original sense,” “the goal is to create an educational environment to cater not only to the intellectual aspect, but also to the development of humanity.” In terms of evaluation of learning outcomes and learning environment, the results of the questionnaire survey were highly satisfactory, but it was difficult to evaluate its effectiveness. An extended version of the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) is currently being developed.
