Overcoming the sudden conversion to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study in computing education

Abstract

This paper presented a case study on an agile shift from brick-and-mortar to online distance learning as a measure to sustain teaching and learning in higher education in response to the interruption and impact brought by the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) to the society. This case study provided a practical example demonstrating possible practices that can be adopted to deliver different types of modules and carry out assessment under force majeure circumstances. We have applied several methods in module delivery and reflected on their strengths and weaknesses. Our approaches have taken into consideration the different needs of taught and non-taught modules, robustness of online assessment, and quick orientation for students who were unfamiliar with online education. The consequent effectiveness of teaching and learning was evaluated in terms of instructor participation and student participation. The findings indicated a relatively slow start due to the series of necessary adjustments to be made to encounter the shift. However, once the adaptation process was completed, an enhancing trend was observed in students and instructors' engagement in various online teaching and learning practices. Our study highlighted that pastoral support is essential to maintain the motivation and engagement of students. In addition, adjustments to module delivery and assessment methods are highly recommended.