Predictors of professional development of college students during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social distancing measures implemented in the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the suspension of in-person activities, with the Ministry of Education authorizing the implementation of Emergency Remote Teaching – ERT. This study aimed to evaluate whether attitudes towards distance education, self-discipline, and technological mastery, altered by academic experiences during the ERT, influenced college students’ perception of professional development during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 971 participants, covering 23 undergraduate courses and 17 institutions. Scales of Attitudes on Distance Training, Perception of Professional Development, and Experiences Associated with the ERT were applied, all with validity evidence. In addition, T-tests and standard multiple regression were performed. The results show that those who developed more favorable attitudes towards distance education, self-discipline, and technological mastery during the ERT, tended to perceive greater professional development during this period.