Experiences with e-learning as a challenge for the effective training of future generations of teachers

Abstract

The paper presents experiences with e-learning among students of educational studies in the biggest Polish pedagogical university that prepares future teaching staff. The research was conducted in May and June 2019 in a group of 450 students (average age=22.660, with st. dev.=4.232). The goal of the study was to present the set of indicators that coexist with the use of distance education platforms by Polish pre-service teachers. Through triangulation of the research tools, eight survey questionnaires of high internal coherence (0.925) were used. Based on the data collected, it was noticed that the respondents have little experience in applying different forms of distance education. Last year, only 8.4% of the students were using paid platforms to develop their interests and knowledge. It was also observed that students who are highly active online (who use different e-services very often or often) show much more interest in online training. Financial status and gender do not determine student engagement in distance education. Participation in one form of e-learning very often coexists with other forms. The key factor indicator of involvement in paid and free e-learning courses is respondents’ activity in cyberspace.