International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume IX, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2321–2705
Academic flaws in the face of the COVID – 19 Pandemic: A case of University of Zambia students
Harrison Daka, Alex Mugala, Lydia Mukuka Mulenga – Hagane and Kalisto Kalimaposo
University of Zambia, Zambia
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis has brought unprecedented challenges to higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has subsequently left higher institutions of learning struggling on how to provide quality education to all. Globally, students have faced unprecedented challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Irrefutably, this austere pandemic has disrupted the teaching and learning process and it has affected the provision equitable and quality education. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive report on the challenges facing University of Zambia Students in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This was achieved by analyzing 400 University of Zambia students’ responses to the survey-based questionnaire. A descriptive statistical method was used to test the validation of the study. The students were sampled using simple random sampling. The study revealed that the major challenges included poor network connectivity, failure to access and upload educational materials on the platforms and lack of digital skills. In order to curb these challenges, the study recommended that the government and private network providers should improve the network provision to all parts of the country. In addition, the study recommended that there is need to have blended learning so as to enhance understanding in the learners for concepts which were not clear when taught during online. It was proposed that the University of Zambia management should also put a deliberate programme to train all students in digital skills.
Key words: Academic flaws, Covid – 19, Learning and teaching, Pandemic, Strategies
I. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The COVID-19 epidemic has spread across the globe, affecting practically all countries and territories. The epidemic was initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Countries all throughout the world warned the people to exercise caution. Handwashing, wearing face masks, physical distance, and avoiding big gatherings and assemblies have all been used as public health initiatives. In order to flatten the curve and control the spread of the disease, lockdown and stay-at-home techniques have been implemented (Sintema, 2020). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, school systems everywhere are in crisis management are struggling to provide continuous instruction via combinations of in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning modes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on education systems around the world, affecting approximately 1.6 billion students in over 200 nations (Mahyoob, 2020). More than 94 percent of the world’s student population has been touched by school, institution, and other learning facility closures. This has resulted in significant changes in every part of our life