COVID-19 IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES TO E-LEARNING IN MODERN UNIVERSITIES: THE EXPERIENCE OF UARD

The rise of COVID-19 pandemic rendered tremendous impacts on the whole society and has changed and still changing our lives for years. One of the most discussed problems concern physical health, economies, social issues, relations, etc. and not least - the new developments in the educational systems targeting innovative e-learning and distant learning solutions and their implementation. In this context, the higher education system is experiencing a novel transition trying to maintain the needed effectiveness and quality of training which affects all the involved parties.Current paper makes a short overview of modern challenges to the Bulgarian higher education system and presents the experience of the University of agribusiness and rural development in undertaking the transition to a new e-learning system in the times of coronavirus pandemic. The results of a short questionnaire for students are presented and discussed considering their opinions about e-learning from distance and traditional learning approaches, opportunities for blended learning, some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of physical isolation and e-learning application, etc. Recommendations and implications on future challenges and development are provided concerning the opportunities for combining e-learning with auditoria load, practical trainings and functioning of the quality assurance system.