Digital transformation in Higher Education: perceptions and challenges of EU security and defence students

The utilization of digital tools in teaching and learning has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years. Even prior to the year 2020, their integration was steadily on the rise, but the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the early years of this decade significantly accelerated their widespread adoption. Importantly, this shift has endured beyond the pandemic's acute phase, signaling that certain changes have a lasting impact. The incorporation of digital tools into the educational landscape presents advantages and challenges. Moving from the conventional use of computers and similar devices for everyday tasks to their seamless integration into educational contexts is a process fraught with complexities. The scope of this research is understanding how students perceive higher education amidst the ongoing transition catalyzed by the pandemic. A comprehensive survey was administered to both military and civilian students enrolled in Security and Defence studies, with a specific focus on their experiences and perspectives as they navigate profound alterations in their educational routines. The analysis of the questionnaire highlights challenges faced by students in various dimensions. Among these hurdles, establishing meaningful connections with instructors and replicating a level of engagement comparable to face-to-face lectures emerged as significant challenges. Notably, there was a discernible uptick in students' self-assessment of their digital competencies. This research is a constituent part of the overarching initiatives undertaken within the European project DIGICODE. This project aims at enhancing the quality of education in Security and Defence by not only advocating for the judicious utilization of digital tools but also fostering the robust development of digital competencies among both students and educators.