Succeeding Alone and Together - University Students’ Perceptions of Caring Online Teaching

Abstract

Studying and learning means adaptation of new information, skills, and values. Students’ previous knowledge and experiences direct their studies, and in the best case, these experiences are positive. Learning is always a social process, too. How do new learning environments at universities influence students’ individuality and communality? Are students left alone and to work just with their computers? What kinds of experiences do students have of online teaching? In this study, these questions were asked from students studying at a Finnish university. Based on their perceptions, four features of an ideal online teaching and learning environment were found. Online solutions, when based on caring teaching, can provide new positive experiences of learning and teaching to teachers and students.