Impact of Covid-19 on Higher Education Sectors in Sri Lanka: A Study based on South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Modern scientific and technological changes have enabled online education as an integral part of the education system in the contemporary world. Although online learning system was influential in the pre-Covid 19 periods to a certain extent, it has become an inevitable part of the teaching and learning process of higher education sectors during the Covid-19 era. As the Covid-19 posed enormous challenges on the traditional higher education system, there was a desperate need globally for every government to incorporate online education into their higher education system. However, online education was not given much importance in the Sri Lankan higher education sector before the Covid-19. But, the closure of universities due to Covid-19 had prompted the government of Sri Lanka to promote the online mode of education as an alternative solution to continue higher education activity during a crisis. Thus, online education has presently become an essential component of Sri Lanka's higher education sector. Nevertheless, there are many obstacles and challenges confronting the higher education sectors, particularly in the universities of Sri Lanka to perpetuate online education successfully. Against this backdrop, this study attempts to give an insight into the impact of Covid-19 on the teaching and learning process of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, and the challenges faced by the university in perpetuating online education system during the Covid-19. The findings of the study show that the university encountered several challenges in terms of online delivery, problems related to practical test via online mode, assessment, examination and supervision of the thesis. The study further highlights issues concerning online teaching and learning environment and a lack of online teaching and learning skills among staff and students that were considered critical to the smooth functioning of teaching and learning process of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study argues that the university should focus on a hybrid education system to address the issues of online mode of education confronted by staff and students to make the teaching and learning process more effective.

An Accurate Mathematical Epidemiological Model (SEQIJRDS) to Recommend Public Health Interventions Related to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

“…The potential impact from COVID -19 is unlike any other country has faced and the economy faced contraction in 2020 due to many sectors being at a standstill [68]. Country's economy mainly depends on the foreign trade and Sri Lanka can be considered as the most susceptible middle-income country due to the impact of COVID -19 [69].…”

“…Universities encounter several challenges in terms of online delivery, problems of practical test via online mode, assessments, examinations and supervision of the thesis. Survey done in the South Eastern University Sri Lanka shows that 59% were interested in pursuing higher education online but later they lost hope in it because of poor connections, lack of devices, power outages and so on [69]. But schools and universities with advanced facilities have been able to carry out virtual classes.…”

“…Sri Lanka shows that 59% were interested in pursuing higher education online but later they lost hope in it because of poor connections, lack of devices, power outages and so on [69]. But schools and universities with advanced facilities have been able to carry out virtual classes.…”

Impact of COVID-19 and Coping Policies Implemented by Higher Education Institutions in South-Asian Countries: Systematic Review

“…He was a chinese tourist . Due to the closue of educational institutes in Srilanka,online techniques of education was considered as an alternative solution so as to continue education.online teaching and learning ahs become an integral part in srilanka higher education institutions.But various challenges and obstacles were there that hindered the quality of e learning (Rameez, Fowsar, & Lumna, 2020).…”

Learners’ Satisfaction and Commitment Towards Online Learning During COVID-19: A Concept Paper

“…(Duraku & Hoxha, 2020a). Unpredicted changes in learning, learning environmental issues at home, lack of technological capabilities influence by affecting the concentration of the learners during the online learning process (Rameez et al, 2020). Difficulties in concentrating, reduced social interactions and distancing, depressive feelings and stress that are disrupting the mental well-being of the learner affect the academic performance of the learners (Son et al, 2020).…”