Forced Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Mixed-Methods Study on Students' Positive and Negative Expectations

A mixed methods exploration of self-presentation, authenticity, and role model function on Instagram: perspectives from female influencers in Germany

Introduction

Social media influencers focussing on beauty, fashion, and fitness topics (BFFI) are important opinion leaders on Instagram. Nevertheless, they are criticized for their potential negative influence on their followers' physical and mental health due to their potentially biased self-presentation. Previous research has mainly focused on followers' perceptions of influencers' self-presentation, leaving a gap regarding the influencers' views.

Method

The present survey included 26 female BFFIs from Germany (18-35 years old), with 16 self-reported micro-influencers (10,000-100,000 followers) and ten macro-influencers (>100,000 followers), representing (semi-)professionals in this domain. 17 influencers saw their main focus in the field of fitness, 16 in fashion, and 13 in beauty. The survey included demographic information, open-ended questions, established and self-developed rating scales, and a social desirability assessment to examine the BFFIs' perceptions of their goals, self-presentation, and role model function. Quantitative data was examined via inter-correlation matrix and ANOVA, and qualitative data was analyzed via an established approach for qualitative content analysis.

Results

Influencers pursue mostly self-realization (50% of participants gave at least one related answer) and commercial goals (50%). While they generally perceive their self-presentation as authentic (84.6%) and positive (76.9%), they still see room for improvement in content creation (61.5%) and self-presentation (30.8%). Fear of negative feedback, absence of positivity and motivation, wrong cooperation partners (30.8% each) and insecurity (23.1%), among others, may lead to a less authentic self-presentation and use of picture editing. The tendency toward socially desirable responses (impression management) is negatively connected to the reported frequency of image editing tools used and attempts to appear authentic. Influencers reported several examples of responsible and irresponsible behaviors and strategies to avoid negative effects on their followers. The type of influencer (micro or macro level) showed a significant effect on the importance attributed to one's own role as an influencer.

Discussion

The complex findings suggest potential conflicts between the influencers' goals and the expectations of followers and cooperation partners. Influencers find themselves in a dual role as users and producers. This results in concrete behavioral challenges for them, but also in implications for established theories of media use.

Mood, Quality of Life, and Immune Fitness During the COVID-19 Pandemic of Young Adults in Germany

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected young adults' lives globally, including those in Germany. This study investigated mental health and quality of life during the pandemic, with a particular focus on mood. Immune fitness, the body's capacity to respond to health challenges (such as infections) by activating an appropriate immune response, was assessed as a physical health indicator. Methods: Data were collected from 317 participants, aged 18 to 35, via an online survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Participants included 103 men (32.5%) and 214 women (67.5%), with a mean age of 25.5 years (SD = 4.1). Results: Compared to pre-pandemic levels, significant declines in mood, quality of life, immune fitness, and sleep quality were observed during the lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.0125). The most pronounced effects were observed during the second lockdown, with declines extending into the second no-lockdown period for fatigue, depression, happiness, optimism, and immune fitness (p < 0.0125). Significant sex differences were found for the magnitude of mood effects (anxiety, depression, stress). No significant differences were found according to age or occupational status (student vs. work). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown periods had a significant negative effect on the mood, immune fitness, and well-being of young adults living in Germany.

Effects of head alignment devices on working memory and postural support during computer work

The most common risk factor of computer workers is poor head and neck posture. Therefore, upright seated posture has been recommended repeatedly. However, maintaining an upright seated posture is challenging during computer work and induces various complaints, such as fatigue and discomfort, which can interfere working performance. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an upright posture without complaints or intentional efforts during long-term computer work. Alignment devices are an appropriate maneuver to support postural control for maintaining head-neck orientation and reduce head weight. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of workstations combined with alignment device on head-neck alignment, muscle properties, comfort and working memory ability in computer workers. Computer workers (n = 37) participated in a total of three sessions (upright computer (CPT_U), upright support computer (CPT_US), traction computer (CPT_T) workstations). The craniovertebral angle, muscles tone and stiffness, visual analog discomfort scale score, 2-back working memory performance, and electroencephalogram signals were measured. All three workstations had a substantial effect on maintaining head-neck alignment (p< 0.001), but only CPT_US showed significant improvement on psychological comfort (p = 0.04) and working memory performance (p = 0.024), which is consistent with an increase in delta power. CPT_U showed the increased beta 2 activity, discomfort, and false rates compared to CPT_US. CPT_T showed increased alpha and beta 2 activity and decreased delta activity, which are not conductive to working memory performance. In conclusion, CPT_US can effectively induce efficient neural oscillations without causing any discomfort by increasing delta and decreasing beta 2 activity for working memory tasks.

Evaluation of two study demands-resources-based interventions: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Higher education students experience significant levels of exhaustion in their studies, yet there are limited evidence-based support programs available. Therefore, this study evaluated a novel intervention approach by testing the effectiveness of two online interventions based on the study demands-resources framework. These interventions aimed to balance demands and resources. Derived from the theoretical assumptions of the framework, we hypothesized that the interventions would increase study and personal resources, engagement, and study crafting, and decrease study demands, exhaustion, and self-undermining. Additionally, we hypothesized that demands and resources would mediate the effects of the intervention on engagement, exhaustion, study crafting, and self-undermining.

Methods

Conducted as a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control group (n = 71), the study involved participants in two intervention groups who engaged with the interventions for 2 weeks. Intervention group 1 (n = 64) focused on adapting demands, while intervention group 2 (n = 70) focused on increasing resources. The design allowed for a comparison of the effectiveness of these different approaches. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the intervention, and at a 5-week follow-up.

Results

Results of the analyses of variance with repeated measures revealed that the interventions had significant positive effects on the personal resource mindfulness, two study crafting strategies, self-undermining, and exhaustion. Notably, intervention group 2 exhibited more positive outcomes. The hypothesized mediation effects through mindfulness were partially supported.

Discussion

The study demonstrates the considerable potential of interventions based on the study demands-resources framework for higher education institutions in supporting student well-being.

Information literacy in the digital age: information sources, evaluation strategies, and perceived teaching competences of pre-service teachers

Introduction

Information literacy has become indispensable in navigating today's fast-paced media environment, with teachers playing a pivotal role in fostering reflective and critical digital citizenship. Positioned as future gatekeepers, pre-service teachers are the key to teaching media skills and especially information literacy to future generations of pupils. Given the particular challenges facing educators today compared to previous generations, it is important to determine whether the next generation of teachers feel adequately prepared and perceive themselves as competent to pass on these skills to their future pupils. However, previous research has highlighted deficiencies in formal learning opportunities at universities, underscoring the need for further investigation into pre-service teachers' information acquisition, evaluation practices as well as their perceived relevance to teaching, and person-related factors associated with their perceived competence in teaching information literacy.

Method

An online questionnaire was presented to participants, employing a mixed-method approach. We qualitatively examined the sources of information used by pre-service teachers and the evaluation strategies they employ, while quantitatively analyzing relationships between pre-service teachers' person-related factors and their perceived teaching competence. Participants assessed their perceived teaching competence, perceived learning opportunities, self-efficacy (general and related to information assessment), perceived informedness, selective exposure, need for cognition, need for cognitive closure, and mistrust in media coverage.

Results

Data from 371 participants revealed digital media dominance in information acquisition over traditional sources, albeit with a prevalence of surface-level evaluation strategies over reflective approaches. Two distinct dimensions of perceived competence in teaching information literacy emerged: one focusing on information assessment while the other centers on the understanding of news creation processes. Perceived competence in teaching information literacy was significantly associated with self-efficacy in information assessment, perceived informedness, selective exposure to information as well as perceived learning opportunities focusing on information evaluation. Moreover, pre-service teachers employing diverse information evaluation strategies demonstrated a heightened sense of perceived competence in teaching information assessment.

Discussion

Our results provide valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of pre-service teachers' perceived competence in teaching information literacy. Theoretical implications for future research as well as practical implications for teacher education and the structure of future curricula are discussed.

Postural supporting cervical traction workstation to improve resting state brain activity in digital device users: EEG study

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effect of postural support workstation on inducing effective brain activity during rest.

Methods

Thirty-five healthy digital overusers were recruited as participants. We conducted two interventions of head weight support traction (ST) and conventional traction (CT) strength on all participants in random order. Participants' arousal levels and psychological comfort were assessed. In addition, changes in brain activity caused by traction were confirmed by measuring changes in resting state brain activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Results

Under the ST condition, psychological comfort improved while alert levels were maintained. In addition the resting brain activity of EEG was characterized by strong focused attention and relaxed activity, as evidenced by increased alpha waves throughout the brain. By contrast, in the CT condition, no significant improvement in comfort was observed. Furthermore, high-frequency brain activity, such as beta 3 and gamma waves, was observed across the entire brain regions.

Conclusion

In this study, the ST workstation was shown to effectively improve resting attention and psychological comfort in individuals who excessively use digital devices by inducing resting state alpha activity without stimulating high-frequency brain waves, while maintaining an upright posture with appropriate traction.

Understanding psychology students' perspective on video psychotherapy and their intention to offer it after graduation: a mixed-methods study

Introduction

Video psychotherapy (VPT) demonstrated strong clinical efficacy in the past, with patients and psychotherapists expressing satisfaction with its outcomes. Despite this, VPT only gained full recognition from the German healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. As society increasingly relies on new media, it seems likely that VPT will become even more relevant. Previous studies surveyed practicing psychotherapists and patients about advantages and disadvantages of VPT. In contrast, our approach targets a younger generation, specifically psychology students intending to become licensed practitioners after graduation.

Methods

Our mixed-methods study was conducted in an online survey format and had two main objectives. Firstly, we investigated which person-related variables are associated with psychology students' behavioral intention to offer VPT after graduation, using a multiple regression analysis. Secondly, we explored psychology students' perception of advantages and disadvantages of VPT and identified their desired learning opportunities regarding VPT in their study program, using qualitative content analysis.

Results

A sample of 255 psychology students participated. The multiple regression model explains 73% of inter-individual variance in the intention to offer VPT, with attitudes toward VPT showing the strongest relationship with intention to offer VPT. Expected usefulness, satisfaction with video conferencing, and subjective norm also showed significant relations. The students provided 2,314 statements about advantages, disadvantages, and desired learning opportunities, which we coded by means of three category systems. In terms of advantages, the most frequently mentioned categories were low inhibition threshold, flexibility in terms of location, and no need to travel. For disadvantages, the predominant categories included lack of closeness between patient and psychotherapist, lack of nonverbal cues, and problems with technology or internet connection. Regarding desired learning opportunities, training for technical skills, practical application through role-playing and self-experience, and general information about VPT were the most mentioned categories. In addition, we identified numerous other aspects related to these topics, reflecting a differentiated and balanced assessment of VPT.

Discussion

We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for training the next generation of psychotherapists and outline a specific five-step plan for integrating VPT into study programs.

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Emotional and Social Stability, Motivation and Attitudes of Gifted and Non-Gifted Children in Greece

Gifted children exhibit advanced cognitive abilities, usually beyond their emotional development, which puts them at higher risk of the negative consequences of isolation. This study investigates the effects of distance learning and home confinement on the emotional and social stability, motivation, and attitudes of gifted and non-gifted children in Greece. Our study includes two subsets, from before (September 2017 to March 2020) and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to March 2022). The analysis indicated that home confinement and distance learning caused children to create a stronger attachment with their parents, and it increased the involvement of parents in their child's school experience. Non-gifted children displayed high levels of certain attitudes (perfectionism, desire for acceptance, and condescending behavior) and demonstrated elevated motivation. Gifted children in the pre-COVID-19 period had already displayed increased levels of condescending attitude, which is assumed to be the result of already existing expectations from their parents. The pandemic further increased this attitude, as a result of the higher expectations of their parents. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of children to have more than one support system and the need for them to strengthen their self-image.

Online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic: How university students' perceptions, engagement, and performance are related to their personal characteristics

University students faced unexpected challenges in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings from early phases of the Covid-19 pandemic and before show that online learning experiences may vary from student to student and depend on several personal characteristics. However, the relative importance of different students' personal characteristics for their online learning experiences at later phases of the Covid-19 pandemic is still unclear. This cross-sectional, correlational study investigates how personal characteristics of university students are related to five dimensions of online learning perception and to their engagement and performance in online courses. In an online survey, 413 students from German universities provided full information on their online learning experiences and personal characteristics in terms of demographic information, Big Five personality traits, self-regulation skills, three facets of self-efficacy, and two types of state anxiety. Results of multiple regression analyses show that students' age was significantly positively related to all online learning perceptions and engagement in online courses. Our findings also confirm that self-regulation skills and academic and digital media self-efficacy are important factors in various online learning experiences. In contrast, students' personality traits and state anxiety were less important for most online learning experiences. Noteworthy, several bivariate associations between personal characteristics and online learning experiences are not reflected in the multiple regression model. This underscores the need to consider relevant variables simultaneously to evaluate their relative importance and to identify key personal characteristics. Overall, our results show valuable starting points for theory development and educational interventions.

Study on the Influencing Factors of Online Learning and Its Operation Mechanism among Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic-An Empirical Analysis Based on a Mixed Method

Online learning has gradually become a mainstream teaching method to replace traditional classroom teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are some issues such as the lack of theoretical guidance on online learning, and the influencing factors of online learning effect are not well proven. On this basis, this study aimed to construct and test a theoretical model of online learning influencing factors among college students through a mixed-method approach in China to further explore the influencing factors of online learning and the relationship between these influencing factors. First, 130 college students were interviewed from May 2021 to November 2021, and the collected data were coded to a theoretical model through grounded theory. Second, we tested and verified the theoretical model through the analysis of survey data of 225 college students from January 2022 to July 2022. Lastly, the results indicate that the learning expectation influences the learning result through learning quality or learning interaction and their combined effects. These findings can help educators around the world gain insight into the process of online learning and improve the quality of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Distinct Patterns of University Students Study Crafting and the Relationships to Exhaustion, Well-Being, and Engagement

Job crafting has been established as a bottom-up work design instrument for promoting health and well-being in the workplace. In recent years, the concepts of job crafting have been applied to the university student context, proving to be positively related to student well-being. Building on person-centered analyses from the employment context, we assessed approach study crafting strategy combinations and the relationships to students’ exhaustion, study engagement, and general well-being. Data from 2,882 German university students were examined, collected online during the summer term in 2020. Using latent profile analysis, we found five distinct crafting groups, which showed discriminate validity with regard to emotional exhaustion, engagement, and well-being. The results underscore the positive role of study crafting for students’ health and well-being. They further indicate a less important role of increasing social resources for emotional exhaustion when combined with a moderate increase in structural resources and a moderate increase in challenging demands. Our findings imply that interventions to promote study crafting should be considered to promote student health and well-being.

Implementation of a Remote Instrumental Music Course Focused on Creativity, Interaction, and Bodily Movement. Preliminary Insights and Thematic Analysis

In a newly designed collaborative online music course, four musical novices unknown to each other learned to play the clarinet starting from zero. Over the course of 12 lessons, a special emphasis was placed on creativity, mutual interaction, and bodily movement. Although addressing these dimensions might be particularly challenging in distance learning contexts, a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with the learners revealed how the teaching approach proposed has generally facilitated learning. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of establishing meaningful relationships with the musical instrument as well as with other students to build musicality, and of the interplay between creativity and control in individual and collective music-making activities. We suggest that remote music tuition with a small group can be a valuable resource to start learning music and that a creative, collaborative, and movement-based approach can contribute to musical growth.

Students' Attitudes Toward Online Music Education During the COVID 19 Lockdown

Given the current pandemic context generated by COVID 19, important changes in the way specific subjects to music education are taught emerged, affecting not only the particularities of learning and teaching in individual courses, but also the other courses regarding group learning or theoretical subjects. In this time, emergency remote teaching and learning requires cross-collaboration between instructional, content, and technological teams. Our research examines the students' attitudes toward online education, also presenting proposals for optimization and efficiency. The research was undertaken after an experience of a University semester in a lockdown context, and it aimed at undergraduate and master's degree students from music faculties in Romania. An important result was the mediating role of perceived utility of e-learning methods, perceived utility mediated the associations between compatibility of online methods and satisfaction toward the use of e-learning methods. The perceived compatibility of e-Learning methods with online music education led to a higher perceived utility which, in turn, predicted a higher satisfaction toward e-Learning Although this period accentuated the fear of interaction with others, the anxiety related to the unknown, the intolerance of uncertainty did not predict the satisfaction toward the use of e-learning platforms. In conclusion, more educational initiatives are needed to promote remote teaching methods in music education. In the absence of similar research in our country, we considered that future research on this topic is needed.