ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore measures taken into consideration by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in response to COVID-19. The study analyzed publicly available published information and updates on the institutions' management of COVID-19's impact and allied literature. The study found that most of the universities were diligent in facing the sudden invasion of the pandemic, primarily focusing on the impact of face-to-face teaching. The study further identified opportunities that have evolved, as well as improvements that have been incorporated into teaching, along with challenges that have been faced by students and faculty members or are yet to be catered to. Hence, to maintain sustainability in the quality of education, the study suggested the increase of training and dependence on technology, ultimately blending learning in higher education for GCC countries. © 2022. Common Ground Research Networks, Hessa Al-Fadhel, Abdulla Al-Jalahma, Mesfer Al-Muhanadi, Muzaffar Asad, Umaid A. Sheikh. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
This study seeks to explore and investigate the responses and measures considered by Higher Education Institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The study analyses information obtained from multiple publicly available resources and rely basically on the published information and updates on Institutions’ management of COVID-19 impact. The study found that universities were diligent in facing the sudden invasion of the pandemic and its impact on face-to-face teaching. However, some countries lacked the readiness to initiate the immediate digital transformation of teaching. Hence, to maintain the sustainability of quality of education, the study suggests the increase dependence of technology use and blended learning in higher education in the GCC countries. © 2020 IEEE.