E-learning in the times of COVID-19: The main challenges in Higher Education

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in higher education. Descriptive statistics were applied to data collected by a questionnaire from 1146 teachers and students from Estonia, Italy, and Serbia. In this research, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning methods and the main challenges in digital teaching and learning. The empirical results showed that most higher education institutions implemented different digital platforms and switched entirely to online or blended learning. In addition, a sense of belonging through distance learning and delivery of “practical” lectures were found to be the key issues for the successful implementation of teaching and learning during the pandemic. Proper training of teachers, utilization of engagement tools, and investments in virtual laboratories could be a solution to the successful implementation of digital education.