An International Comparison of Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic by Universities and Schools

Abstract

This paper presents responses of several countries to the Covid-19 pandemic in educational institutions, and how universities and schools strove to complete the academic year during the pandemic. The pandemic forced institutions throughout the world to shift to fully online learning for students in schools, colleges, and universities. This paper also presents a comparison of different responses in universities and schools when implementing full online learning. Online platforms have been used by students and teachers, which requires gaining technical competencies and training courses to provide continuity of learning and teaching to complete the current academic year 2019/2020. Several countries such as the UK, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA have adopted various responses in their educational institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic to complete the academic year 2019/2020. Benefits of some implementations of fully online learning will also be presented, besides the concept of 'Smart City' as defined in academic research.