Technical prerequisites from the perspective of teachers and students

1. Improving digital competences

Teachers need to continuously develop their digital skills to be able to use e-learning tools effectively. Regular participation in training and workshops allows them to keep up with new trends and technologies. This increases the quality of teaching and provides students with modern educational experience.

2. Pedagogical planning

In a digital environment, it is crucial to clearly structure content and activities in line with learning outcomes. Teachers should use a variety of materials, including open educational resources (OER), to enrich the teaching process. Good planning on the part of teachers helps students navigate later and encourages active participation.

3. Combination of methods

Combining different teaching methods makes classes more dynamic and interesting. Digital tools enable interaction through forums, quizzes, virtual workshops and team projects. In this way, students develop different competencies and remain engaged throughout the learning process.

4. Using available support

HEIs offer technical and pedagogical support to teachers through helpdesks, e-learning centers or professional workshops. Teachers should use these resources to improve the quality of their course delivery. This reduces the stress caused by technology and new solutions and increases the focus on the pedagogical aspect of teaching.

5. Adaptation and inclusiveness

Digital content should be accessible to all students, including those with specific educational needs. This means using transcripts, subtitles, accessible formats and adaptations for different devices. Inclusivity in teaching contributes to equality and a better-quality experience for all participants. Offices for students with disabilities at the university level and at the HEI itself play a major role in this.

Recommendations for students

1. Ensuring technical conditions

Students need to have basic technical equipment: a computer or tablet, a camera, and headphones with a microphone. A reliable internet connection is essential for following online lectures and participating in activities. Without these prerequisites, equal participation in classes is difficult. Often, students cannot provide this on their own, and HEIs should try to accommodate them (either by organising financing lines or reducing the price of equipment in agreement with suppliers, etc.).

2. Developing digital skills

Students should master tools for distance learning, such as LMS systems, e-portfolios or collaborative tools and applications. This includes knowing how to submit assignments, communicate in forums and use digital resources. Developing digital skills increases independence and success in learning and, similarly to the situation with teachers, reduces stress from using technology and unfamiliar solutions.

3. Active participation

In a digital environment, active participation is just as important as physical presence. Students should regularly follow the lessons, participate in discussions, and use the communication channels provided. This strengthens their own understanding of the content and contributes to shared learning.

4. Self-regulation and organisation

In online and hybrid learning, the student is more responsible for organising his own time. Following deadlines, planning learning and repeating the material independently are key elements of success. Students who develop these skills are better able to cope with the challenges of flexible education. HEI should organise workshops aimed at organising time and ways of motivation (usually this is done by centres for psychological support at HEI).

5. Seeking support

If they encounter technical or pedagogical difficulties, students should contact teachers or support services in a timely manner. Procrastination can lead to bigger problems and delays in learning. Timely communication shows proactivity and contributes to a more effective educational process. The teacher's role is to recognise such patterns and try to help their students overcome them as painlessly as possible.