Online learning versus practical skills: the role of engagement in distance learning

Abstract

Currently, a key challenge in online learning is to prepare students to develop skills for the practical application of acquired knowledge. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the importance of those skills during remote learning and present the results of a study on the impact of students' practical application skills on remote learning outcomes, taking into account their involvement in distance learning. To clarify this issue, an empirical study was conducted using a survey questionnaire. A total of 1,883 people from different universities in four countries were surveyed. Our research provides useful recommendations and insights for academia, including how teachers should encourage students to increase their level of engagement in the remote learning process and apply the knowledge gained in practice. The results of this study confirm that successful remote learning requires both active use of the acquired knowledge and a high level of engagement in the learning process.

Keywords

• online learning
• lifelong learning
• emergency remote learning
• practical skills training
• engagement in remote learning