CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF MIGRATING TO ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ZIMBABWE IN THE FACE OF COVID-19: THE CASE OF THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE.

Abstract

The study assesses the challenges and opportunities of migrating to online
teaching and learning in Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undertaken at Catholic University of Zimbabwe (Chinhoyi campus), the
objective is to generate knowledge for improving evidence-based decision
making in mitigating, preparing for, and responding to the pandemic. The study
is a qualitative, descriptive research, whose aim argues that, though online
education might have been prompted by the advent of coronavirus, the online
teaching and learning is here to stay. Based on the findings from the literature
review, one of the determinants of a sustainable e-learning program in
education in Zimbabwe could be the availability of reliable infrastructure such
as, internet access to provide opportunities for synchronous interactivity. The
study suggests that stakeholders should investment in e-learning facilities. In
the presence of appropriate technological tools, uninterrupted electricity and
better access to the Internet - educators and students will be better able to
implement e-learning programs in learning institutions. The study has found that
real learning should be learner centered, with the instructor offering guidance.
The study concludes that on a lighter side, COVID-19 could also be viewed as
a blessing in disguise.