An Investigation of Korean College Students’ Perceptions of Interactions During Remote Courses Caused by COVID-19

The aim of this study was to investigate specific examples and suggestions related to the personal experiences of university students during remote courses. A total of 148 first-year students completed a semi-structured qualitative survey composed of 13 questions to determine their reflections and perspectives towards their first semester of remote learning; then, the data was analyzed through thematic, descriptive, and inductive analysis procedures with non-statistical analysis. Key findings are as follows: First, students felt that interactions could be completed more effectively if multiple modes of communication were utilized. Second, efforts should be made by the professor to encourage more student interactions, with students suggesting that an increase in verbal communications, better organizations, more coordination, and improved monitoring of students could be accomplished through holding more synchronous classes, expanding the number of speaking activities, and employing more teacher demonstrations and so on. Third, students realize more personal efforts and ownership of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions are needed to interact with a larger number of peers in their classes, but also there is presently a large desire to include more real-time and verbal interactions. Specific comments and examples related to what students experienced and suggested for improving future online classes are discussed.