Shifting to Online Learning in University in COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Suresh Raj Adhikari
  • Karna Rana

Keywords:

higher education; online learning; COVID-19 pandemic; ICT tools; TPACK

Abstract

 This chapter examines lecturers’ experiences of shifting from physical classrooms to online learning and their strategies for managing online learning after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews and observation to collect data. We report that lecturers’ practice of online learning has changed their traditional beliefs about face-to-face teaching practices. Online workshops and webinars enabled them to identify and use information and communication technologies (ICTs) for online teaching in pandemic lockdowns. Despite their limited knowledge of ICT and e-pedagogies, they created online group forums and engaged students in collaborative learning activities. This resulted in students’ off-class communications and increased their learning autonomy in online classes. Lecturers managed to teach many students in a short period of online courses despite unreliable electricity and the Internet. Systematic development of online education can provide students equal opportunities for quality education.

How to cite in APA:

Adhikari, S. R., & Rana, K. (2022). Shifting to online learning in university in COVID-19 pandemic. In E. J. Valeau, R. L. Raby, & U. Gaulee (eds), Shaping a humane world through global higher education: Pre-challenges and post-opportunities during a pandemic (pp. 141-154). STAR Scholars.

Author Biographies

  • Suresh Raj Adhikari

    Suresh Raj Adhikari (sureshadhikari81@gmail.com) is an MPhil scholar at Nepal Open University, Nepal. He has done an MA in English at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He has taught the English language and literature in schools and colleges for about 14 years. His areas of research interest include ICT in education, IT policy and standardization, equality in education, and peer learning.

  • Karna Rana

    Karna Rana (karnabdr@gmail.com) is an Assistant Professor of ICT and E-learning at Nepal Open University. His areas of research interest are online and distance learning, ICT for education, education and language policy, education for rural development, educational leadership, EMI, Indigenous studies, multilingualism, and mother-tongue-based education.

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Published

2022-07-01

Issue

2022: Shaping a Humane World Through Global Higher Education: Pre-Challenges and Post-Opportunities During a Pandemic

Section

Shaping a Humane World Through Global Higher Education (Published)

How to Cite

Shifting to Online Learning in University in COVID-19 Pandemic. (2022). Comparative & International Education Series, 141-154. https://ojed.org/cies/article/view/5049