Distance learning during the pandemic era: Russian instructors’ experience

The article focuses on studying Russian university instructors’ experience acquired during the emergency remote learning period in 2020–2021. The need to adjust the development route of the distance learning system determines the topicality of the research. The novelty of the article is determined by significant gaps in scientific literature concerning studying, generalizing, and comprehending such experience. The study employed quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and processing. Russian university instructors (N = 57) filled in an online questionnaire which aimed to identify the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. Corpus linguistics methods were used to outline the most common key themes, which made it possible to identify the frequent words employed to describe positive and negative experiences. Responses to open-ended questions were examined using contextual and content analysis. The most significant positive aspects of the online format identified by the respondents included travel time saving, extending the repertoire of teaching strategies and access to visual methods of presenting information thanks to the online platform technological capabilities. This enabled instructors to involve usually silent students in active communication. Moreover, the respondents cited safe communication during the spread of a viral disease as well as students’ constant access to information resources. As for disadvantages, respondents mentioned a marked deterioration in interaction with students due to the lack of personal and/or visual contact, technical communication problems, and labor intensity. Other often cited drawbacks were difficulties in developing practical skills and effectively monitoring students’ knowledge and psychological state, learners’ decreased motivation as well as health problems. Based on the results of the study, the article concludes that it is necessary to improve instructors’ professional competencies and improve technical facilities of educational institutions. This would provide access to and usage of multifunctional distance learning management systems and programs that permit videoconferencing, file sharing and demonstrating multimedia presentations and online materials. The research is relevant as it is important to study and summarize instructors’ positive and negative experience to improve professional development programs, make decisions on purchasing and using equipment and software, and change university development agendas.