Evaluating Sustainable Online Education: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis of IT Device Utilization among Slovakian and Hungarian University Students

Abstract

By the onset of the 21st century, online presence had become prevalent in higher education, with the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating this trend. However, the success of online education and its assessment by students can differ significantly from region to region and according to the field of study. This can be influenced by students’ habits of using IT devices, but it can also occur the other way around. In this research, experiences related to online education were examined in the fields of Informatics, Agriculture and Pharmacy education at two higher-education institutions in Slovakia and one in Hungary, considering the environmental and social sustainability implications. In the study, in addition to simple statistical methods, a cross-tabulation analysis was carried out using Cramer’s V method. The results have shown that the students of the investigated institutions confidently navigate the online world; they are conscious users of IT tools without being addicted. A total of 74% of students in Mosonmagyaróvár believe they possess sufficient information about the risks associated with computers, mobile phones, and the Internet, whereas only 34% of students in Košice share the same sentiment. The reason for the differences between these characteristics can be attributed to the specialties of the different majors, and not to those arising from regional differences, raising important questions about the ecological sustainability of online education practices. A relatively great consistency can be observed in the assessment of online learning among students from the three institutions, with approximately 85% expressing overall satisfaction with the online learning experience. The easier availability of study materials and savings on travel are mentioned as advantages, contributing to economic sustainability. However, separation from their mates and the lack of practical training may be regarded as a disadvantage for them, as they seem to have a preference for face-to-face training. Overall, it may be concluded that purely online training in the fields of Informatics, Agriculture, and Pharmacy training is not feasible for the time being, necessitating a balanced and sustainable approach for the future.