Shifting from traditional and blended learning approaches to a fully virtual and remote course delivery: Implications from COVID-19

Abstract

This contribution discusses the latest opportunities and challenges that affected higher educa- tional institutions, following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It sheds light on the effects of an unprecedented COVID-19 on higher education services. Educational institutions were suddenly expected to abide by COVID-19 preventative measures, including social distancing and hygienic practices, among others. As a result, many of them migrated to virtual and remote course delivery. This reflective paper urges education leaders and pol- icymakers to embrace online teaching models and virtual systems, as they are here to stay in a post-COVID-19 era. In conclusion, it puts forward key implications to practitioners and identifies future research avenues to academia.