An analysis of online learning and teaching at the Department of Electronic Engineering at a university of technology during the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa

Abstract

The Department of Electronic Engineering at a South African University of Technology is currently conducting a research study to investigate the challenges associated with online teaching during the COVID-19 epidemic. Specifically, the study focuses on the perspective of educators in this context. In response to the outbreak, governments worldwide implemented nationwide lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, leading educational institutions, including universities, to cease in-person instruction. This sudden shift disrupted the educational system, necessitating a rapid transition from traditional face-to-face teaching to online methods to fulfill the curriculum requirements. As faculty members encountered various difficulties in adapting to online teaching pedagogy, the research study concentrates on them as the primary participants. The research study provides recommendations that offer valuable guidance for improving the effectiveness of online teaching practices which may be applied outside of the pandmic to most online teaching pedagogies.