This is how economics students at Linneaus University are affected by distance learning : A quantitative study of productivity and effectiveness

During the previous two years, due to the current coronapandemic and constraints, the workplace for students drastically changed over a night. Teaching that in the term of “normal” was usually given and examined in the university now had the new reality of being exclusively provided and tested in digital forms. Previous research presents that distance learning has shown both positive and negative effects on the students effectiveness and productivity. The purpose of the study is to account for how productivity (doing things the right way) and effectiveness (doing the right things) are affected when learning takes place at a distance. In addition, the study aims to identify and clarify which factors have had an impact on the students' productivity and effectiveness in distance learning. Based on the purpose, two research questions have been formulated: “How do distance learning affect students’ productivity and effectiveness?” and “What factors have had an impact on student´s productivity and effectiveness in distance learning?”. Distance learning is defined as a system whereas material that is essential for learning and achieving goals is provided to the student through technical communication due to the difference in location of the student and the teacher. Empirical data was collected through two different surveys that were given to two different selections that consisted of students at Linnaeus university. Both of the survey’s were formed and developed based on the theoretical framework and then the variables were analyzed by using a bivariate and univariate analyzing method. The results of the study shows that the effectiveness of those who have studied at a distance seems to be better than for those who have studied on campus. However, the productivity issue needs further research to be able conduct a clear result since no correlations could be detected in this research. Finally, the study concludes that it is difficult to establish which factors have had a decisive impact on the students' distance learning, but that all factors that have been identified have affected them in some way, either positively or negatively, but to varying degrees. The factors that have had the greatest impact on students are personal characteristics, suitable space in the home, social support, ICT and communication