Perception and Technological Accessibility of University Students in Southwest of the Dominican Republic during Covid-19

The pandemic led to suspension of face-to-face dasses and the implementation of virtual education. The objective of this study was to diagnose and analyze the perception of university students and their technological accessibility during the educational emergency in the southwest of the Dominican Republic (January-April 2020). A mixed research method was used, a survey was applied, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical inference, descriptive analysis, and semantic network construction. Regarding technological accessibility, the results show that the use of phones predominates rather than computers and lack of Internet access. According to students there are more negative aspects than positives in virtual education, as technological equipment and internet accessibility are lacking, resulting in frustration and discomfort, as well as learning difficulties. Also, the overload of subjects and activities, since more than 60 tasks were assigned to develop in a month, which for them shows insensitivity of teachers in the face of the situation. Social distancing generated anxiety due to isolation and lack of concentration for learning. Among the positive aspects is the use of technology, which facilitates learning and allows the continuity of studies.

Automated summary

During the pandemic, university students in the southwest of the Dominican Republic faced issues such as lack of technological accessibility, learning difficulties, and anxiety. They relied mainly on phones rather than computers, and felt overwhelmed by the workload. Despite the challenges, they acknowledged that technology facilitated learning and ensured the continuity of their studies.