SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW REPORT:
An investigation into the challenges and solutions of e-learning in
tertiary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic
8 November 2021
Abstract
The move to online learning, from traditional methods was inevitable. With the
outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, this gradual, inevitable change was suddenly at the
doorstep of every student. Closing of educational institutions, with particularly
stringent rules on tertiary institutions resulted in numerous challenges faced by
students and lecturers alike.
This systematic literature review (SLR) is an investigation into the challenges of elearning implementation faced during the pandemic globally. The main challenges
identified included: (a) the digital divide; (b) adaptation to home studies by students;
(c) governmental contributions; (d) course quality and content and lecturer
competency and (e) methods of assessment. These challenges were consistent
within 36% of the articles analysed. The challenges are discussed with reference to
requirements identified within the literature analysed. The SLR also documents
useful solutions and innovative teaching methods which have either been
implemented or being proposed. Some of these include: (a) amendment to teaching
policies and curriculum design; (b) e-learning workshops to enhance teacher/learner
capabilities; (c) cultivation of strong online communities, (d) blended learning
methods and (e) course design with guidance of thinking-based instruction theory.
The solutions were consistent in 34% of articles analysed, while innovations were
discussed in 11% of articles.
The challenges were generally observed within developing countries. The solutions
and innovations were varied across different demographics. Discussion of the
challenges in relation the known requirements, can prove to be informative to major
stakeholders within the educational landscape such as: parents, investors, unaware
students and educators. The solutions and innovations discussed may be tailored
according to the context in which an institution exists, to enhance the digital learning
and teaching experience.
Keywords: COVID-19, online learning, e-learning, challenges, requirements,
solutions, innovation, digital divide