Online and Remote Learning in Higher Education Institutes: A Necessity in light of COVID-19 Pandemic

Wahab Ali

doi:10.5539/hes.v10n3p16

Abstract

In light of the rising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and calls to contain the Corona Virus, a growing number of tertiary institutions have shut down in regards to face-to-face classes globally. The Corona virus has revealed emerging vulnerabilities in education systems around the world. It is now clear that society needs flexible and resilient education systems as we face unpredictable futures. A meta-analysis methodology was adopted for this study and pertinent literature was visited to capture the essence of continued learning during these unprecedented times. Findings reveal that universities worldwide are moving more and more towards online learning or E- Learning. Findings also reveal that apart from resources, staff readiness, confidence, student accessibility and motivation play important function in ICT integrated learning. This exploratory paper proposes that staff members should use technology and technological gadgets to enhance learning especially during these exceptional times. Findings also propose online and remote learning as a necessity in times of lock downs and social distancing due to COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides a strong platform for further research.

Highlights

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak various policy initiatives are being launched by governments and tertiary institutions across the world to continue teaching activities so as to contain the virus
The findings reveal that staff members have found that students have a special bonding with Information Communication and Technology (ICT)
Taking into consideration the deadly COVID-19 and in its endeavour to avoid its spread governments‟ worldwide have put in place stringent measures such as national lockdowns and social distancing initiatives. These restrictions have led many universities and HE Institutes to opt for online learning to curtail the spread of Corona Virus

Summary

Introduction

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak various policy initiatives are being launched by governments and tertiary institutions across the world to continue teaching activities so as to contain the virus. Literature highlights certain deficiencies such as the weakness of online teaching infrastructure, the inexperience of teachers, the information gap, the complex environment at home, and so forth (Murgatrotd, 2020). China initiated a Suspending Classes Without Stopping Learning policy to see that learning was not compromised at any time during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (Zhang et al, 2020). This is one of the many policies China put in place to see that student learning was least affected during national lockdowns and school closures. To tackle the problems, Huang, Liu, Tlili, Yang, & Wang, (2020) suggest that governments and education providers need to further promote the construction of the educational information, considering equipping teachers and students with standardized home-based teaching and learning equipment, conduct online teacher training and support academic research into online education, especially education to help students with online learning difficulties

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