Changes in the education landscape caused by COVID-19: Opportunities and challenges from UAE perspective

Abstract

The study aim is to identify the opportunities for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) educational sector during COVID-19. A survey was conducted among a sample of 100 teachers from 20 UAE higher education institutions. Teachers use online learning tools that cannot fully provide the benefits of face-to-face meetings with students. The research methodology is based on primary and secondary data analysis. Teacher questionnaire was formed; it contains 9 questions on distance learning actualization in a pandemic. Only 25% of those surveyed agreed with the inclusiveness and ease of remote learning technologies use, 20% expected that after a lockdown, learning could return to the status quo; 55% disagreed that the technologies used stimulate creativity and have an evidence base. Among key findings are that almost all respondents (95%) see the necessary reform of distance education for its further adaptation in the post-COVID-19 period. The study shows a significant imperfection of the applied online learning technologies. Studies from around the world have shown that school shutdowns have had similar consequences for most education systems.   Keywords: COVID-19; education; online learning; pandemic outbreak; teaching and learning.