ERIC Number: EJ1471551
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Dec
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2731-5525
Available Date: 2025-05-19
From Crisis to Opportunity: The Digital Evolution of Higher Education in Africa amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Discover Education, v4 Article 122 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional education systems globally, with African Higher Education Institutions particularly challenged due to pre-existing infrastructural and technological limitations. This study examines the response of the University of Education, Winneba, in Ghana, to the pandemic by transitioning to online learning using the MOODLE Learning Management System and other digital platforms. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative observations, quantitative data analysis, and machine learning (ML) techniques to comprehensively explore the transition to online learning at the University of Education, Winneba. Key findings indicate that while the transition enabled the continuity of education for over 92,000 students, challenges such as limited Internet access, inadequate digital literacy among faculty and students, and technical infrastructure limitations were significant barriers. The study recommends targeted investment in digital infrastructure, comprehensive training for educators, and policy reforms to support sustainable online education. This research contributes to understanding the digital transformation of education in African HEIs and offers a framework for improving resilience in future disruptions.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Educational Development, Technology Uses in Education, COVID-19, Pandemics, Electronic Learning, Learning Management Systems, Educational Change, College Students, Digital Literacy, Internet, Educational Policy
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Africa; Ghana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of Education, Department of Information and Communication Technology Education, Winneba, Ghana