Evaluation of E-Learning in Higher Education during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in University of Sulaimani

ABSTRACT

This research investigates e-learning in higher education during the global COVID-19 epidemic. This airborne virus has affected the daily lives, social interactions and education of highly populated cities. Universities have faced many challenges in this pandemic to reduce likelihood of infection in the highly dense student population;by transitioning from traditional teaching to e-learning. The University of Sulaimani, based in Kurdistan Region of Iraq suspended the majority of classes on campus to reduce rates of infection. The adaptation of using e-learning system was novel for the University of Sulaimani, due to socio-economic factors, and lack of experience. This study employed a quantitative approach, by using a self-report questionnaire for collecting primary data. The data has been collected via an online survey in the University of Sulaimani to analyse the e-learning experience, from students and teaching staff perspective during COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed a variety of factors impacting on the e-learning experience. This included a lack of facilities ICT infrastructures, e-resources and access to the internet. Thus, the ICT infrastructure needs to be updated with e-resources and appropriate IT facilities, with support for students who do not have access to electronic equipment. In this way e-learning would be successfully deployed in higher education during any crises, such as COVID-19 pandemic. CCS CONCEPTS •Applied computing Education E-learning © 2021 ACM.