Digital innovations through the prism of perception by Belarusian students

Abstract

In the sphere of higher education the imposed digitalisation of learning processes under conditions of the pandemic has made distance forms of education a reality for most students and therefore helped them increase their level of knowledge of information and communication technologies and competences. Digital innovations have become the key features of an image of a contemporary society that most students constructed in their consciousness. However, virtual reality differs from the real everyday life that is not necessarily technologically advanced. This contradiction can be an important reason for several risks and illusions emerging in the students’ perception of digital transformation and overpriced expectations from the processes of digitalisation at work, study and everyday life. Depending on the type of students’ assessments of the role of digital innovations in a society, five theoretical patterns of students’ attitudes towards digital innovation have been selected. The results from this research indicate the importance of the university learning environment to discuss with the students the real benefits and potential threats of digital innovations.