Digitization of Student Experience during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic – The Polish Perspective

Abstract:

Digitalism and technology undoubtedly influence the present day. There are more and more catchwords Economy 5.0 and Society 5.0 identified with bits. The fate of organizations and ordinary citizens is shaped by the forces and achievements of science, knowledge and technology. Smartphone, computer and Internet access have become almost first-order goods. "Divine technologies" with sensors, electronics, software, and a communications network are ubiquitous. And although the views and opinions about them have been different so far, their use has turned out to be the only right solution in the event of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The world was digitized in an instant, shifting it overnight from analog to digital dimensionality. Technology has redefined jobs and learning. Everyone focused on maintaining the continuity of the University's functioning despite the lockdown. Universities, including those operating in Poland, represent such an agile digital transformation in the era of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. For those managing them, the first months of the pandemic were one great test of competence and the ability to use their resources. The revolution was born in front of the eyes of managers, academics and students, forcing a redefinition of the meaning of space and time, teaching and learning. After more than a year, the first analyzes and summaries can be made, especially in the area of digital experiences of students as the main entities in the process of educational management. The subject of the article is to analyze the impact of technology on the re-calibration of university functioning as a result of the digitization of student experiences during the pandemic. The information source was the results of secondary exploration research, which was subjected to a critical analysis of the content, and the primary material collected from students based on the CAWI methodology using a questionnaire. The analysis carried out shows that there is no return to the pre-pandemic state. Universities should remain in the digital trend. The organizational and didactic convergence experienced by the students is not only highly appreciated by them, but also desired. Hybrid teaching, digital research workshop and electronic document workflow is also the ability to manage student experiences in a 360o view.