Publications and studies on distance learning

Erfurt, 8 March 2021 – High levels of satisfaction despite pandemic: Online study students in Germany are doing well. With their studies in general – and with the study conditions during the pandemic, in particular. This is confirmed by the Trend Study on Online Studying published today: "Bildung 2021" of IU International University of Applied Sciences. For the fifth edition of Germany's largest survey of the living and studying conditions of students in online study, 6,400 people were interviewed: current and former students at German online universities as well as those interested in pursuing an online study programme.

Over 96 per cent of students are satisfied with their online study programme. This is even one percentage point more than in the last Trend Study conducted in 2019. One important factor for the high level of satisfaction: the online study programmes were able to continue uninterruptedly. Around 70 per cent of enrolled online study participants report that their studies were not affected by the pandemic. And over 95 per cent are satisfied with the measures their university has taken to compensate for the – few – restrictions caused by the crisis.

Learning apps, video conferences, podcasts – this is how digital education works
"Corona has catapulted our society two to three years into the digital future. This is a big challenge for many education providers. For online study participants, on the other hand, learning platforms, learning apps, video conferences, podcasts and digital tutorials have long been part of everyday life," says Prof. Dr. Holger Sommerfeldt, Prorector of Distance Learning at IU. "Modern online study programmes show how digital education works. Online study is the model of success for e-learning."

For almost 93 per cent of students, individual support is also important when pursuing distance learning. However, the relationship between teacher and learner differs from that in face-to-face teaching: In e-learning, the teacher takes on more of a support role, reports Prof. Dr. André Hollstein, Head of Media Didactics & Innovation "In distance learning, it is much more important than in traditional face-to-face teaching to meet the different learning needs of individual students through innovative digital offerings."

Further increase in student numbers expected
Even before Corona, the number of students studying online in Germany had already increased sharply. The crisis has once again accelerated growth, according to Dr Carmen Thoma. Through Corona, 25 per cent of the interested parties surveyed realised the importance of continuing education in the first place. And over 97 per cent of all respondents believe that online learning will become much more important as a result of the pandemic.

Currently, around 190,000 students pursuing distance learning are enrolled in Germany, a good 35 per cent more than two years ago. Thoma predicts a further increase in the number of students in distance learning. "A digital degree is a perfect fit for today's lifestyles and the diverse demands that people have to and want to meet today," is her rationale.

Increased prestige and financial rewards
The study also shows that pursuing distance learning is now seen as equally (or even more) valuable than traditional study formats. Three quarters think that their employer sees it the same way. This is matched by the fact that 48 per cent were given more attractive tasks after graduation – and 55 per cent a higher salary.