Students’ preparedness for distance learning - Gaps identified by MCAST educators

Abstract

This study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, investigated students’ preparedness for distance learning. The main catalyst for the identified gaps derives from Maltese obligatory education being delivered face-to-face. Findings revealed that during online tuition, The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) foundation and diploma-level students lacked digital literacy. Questionnaires completed by lecturers, who shifted online, divulged four e-competencies and skill categories whereby, in the metacognitive segment, these students lack learning style, self-direction and time management. Additionally, foundation students experience deficiency in the cognitive group, mainly, the ability to apply the material learnt, do research and articulate comments and questions. No technological gaps were identified for all four course levels; however, in the affective category lack of netiquette and the challenge to stay motivated were uncovered for foundation-level students. No gaps in any of the categories were identified for Master and Bachelor-level students. In light of the exposed gaps, educators and school management teams need to reconstruct their practices to enhance learning equity.