Higher Education Institution beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic—Evidence from Romania

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the education system in Romania. The major objective of this study was to identify the challenges in higher education institutions beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study is based on a questionnaire-type analysis with 388 respondents (students from different universities). Using the SEM-PLS method, we designed a conceptual model, which is based on seven latent variables: a resilient education system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (SER); teacher–student, student–teacher, and student–institution communication (PS); logistical assistance from the educational institution (AL); adaptation according to knowledge-economy requirements (EC); online teaching–learning in higher education (API); a hybrid education model (EH); and digital skills and the integration of digital technology in institutions (ITE). We formulated seven hypotheses in order to test the strength of the correlation between the latent variables. Our research highlights a significant correlation between logistical assistance from the educational institution (LA) and teacher–student, student–teacher, and student–institution (PS) communication. Moreover, logistical assistance from the educational institution (LA) has a significant effect on the teaching–learning activity.