The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis on Education in Israel: How do Students in Higher Education institutions evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on learning in higher education

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the education system in Israel, specifically the impact of online learning during the lockout on the different levels and aspects of the students in higher education institutions in Israel. These aspects included level of satisfaction, students' achievement, students' goals, students' feelings, and student’s academic and social interactions. In order to answer the research question, the researcher has chosen to conduct mixed-method research, which includes both qualitative and quantitative. While in the qualitative part, 50 students were interviewed, in the quantitative part a questionnaire was distributed to 400 students from higher education institutions in Israel.  The main findings were, first a positive correlation between students’ satisfaction and the flexibility of online learning was found.  The second finding, a positive correlation was found between the variable being involved during online education and students’ satisfaction. Third a negative correlation between students’ satisfaction and the lack of face-to-face contact during online learning was found. Fourth, a negative correlation was found between the variable lack of communication during online education and students’ satisfaction. Finally, both from the quantitative part and the qualitative part the students have indicated that COVID-19 and online learning have a significant impact on their social and academic interaction. The main conclusion was the COVID-19 pandemic has created many negative effects for students in higher education in Israel on different levels, social, emotional, psychological, and academic.  Consequently, educational administrators and higher education leaders should take into account all facets of teaching and learning in higher education and adapt and adjust policies in emergency situations