Advantages and difficulties in the use of digital platforms and technologies by teachers and students

Abstract

This study analyzes the advantages and difficulties of teachers and students regarding the use of a selection of nine digital platforms and technologies for daily school activities and verifies whether the situation resulting from the quarantine due to covid-19 generated other problems in the use of those digital platforms and technologies. Questionnaires were applied to 105 students and 45 teachers in five schools in Portugal. The results revealed that teachers and students agreed with the advantages and contributions of the use of digital platforms and technologies. As for the difficulties, the teachers pointed out problems with the obsolescence and the insufficiency of the equipment and with the internet access presented as the main ones encountered when using the digital platforms and technologies. The students indicated internet access as their main difficulty. During the pandemic, teachers reported difficulties more associated with social, pedagogical, and technical aspects, while students related it more to personal issues.