IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

COVID-19 outbreak has caused a downward spiral in the world economy and caused a huge impact on the higher education system. The sudden closure of campuses as a social distancing measure to prevent community transmission has shifted face-to-face classes to online learning systems. This has thrown the focus on utilizing eLearning tools and platforms for effective student engagement which may have limitations of accessibility and affordability for many students. The pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the current higher education system and the need for more training of educators in digital technology to adapt to the rapidly changing education climate of the world. In the post-pandemic situation, the use of eLearning and virtual education may become an integral part of the higher education system. The higher education institutions and universities need to plan the post-pandemic education and research strategies to ensure student learning outcomes and standards of educational quality

TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH ICT TOOLS: OPPORTUNITIES, ISSUE AND CHALLENGES.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools contribute to high quality lessons since they have potential to increase students' motivation, connect students to many information sources, support active in-class and out-class learning environments, and let instructors to allocate more time for facilitation. Information and communications technology (ICT) is an important part of most organizations these days. In this digital era, ICT use in the classroom is important for giving students opportunities tolearn and apply the required 21st century skills. Hence studying the issues and challengesrelated to ICT use in teaching and learning can assist teachers in overcoming the obstaclesand become successful technology users. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is toanalyse teachers' perceptions of the challenges faced in using ICT tools in classrooms