Status of Online Teaching and Learning during Covid-19 in Kenyan Universities: Teaching and Technical Staff Perspective

Abstract

COVID-19 is still a major public health problem globally; currently, over 6million deaths have been reported worldwide. The pandemic affected approximately 1.6 billion learners in more than 200 countries. Since Covid 19 pandemic hit higher learning education systems globally, most countries have switched from face to face to online teaching. Subsequently, learning institutions have adapted online teaching/learning methods to mitigate against disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The current study aimed at establishing the status of online teaching and learning during covid-19 in Kenyan public and private universities among teaching and technical staff. The study adopted a descriptive survey design that incorporated both questionnaires and interview methods of data collection. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. The study was conducted in two (2) public and two (2) private universities in Kenya, which were purposively selected and constituted a sample of 64 lecturers and technicians. Findings indicate that both private and public universities utilized online teaching and learning; online teaching was more established in public universities compared to private universities. However, all universities were not able to offer practicals lessons online. The major challenge of online teaching was internet interruptions and poor attendance by the students, whereas the major opportunity was flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The study concludes that academic activities have been affected by COVID-19 at all levels and that digital transformation in teaching and learning is a necessity in Higher Education. Therefore, all teaching and technical staff must embrace and implement online teaching and learning as a viable alternative to face to face teaching and learning during and beyond Covid 19.