ONLINE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: A WAKE-UP CALL ON THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which emanated from Wuhan city, China and its successive spread across the globe has made a tremendous impact on virtually all spheres of human endeavors; ranging from economy, health, livelihood, and education amongst others. The widespread restrictions currently placed on movement and mass gatherings have made educational and academic activities to be grounded globally. In recent times, the concept of learning has gradually transitioned from traditional classroom methods to online learning where students acquire knowledge through “invisible classrooms”. Most institutions of learning in Africa may encounter difficulties in migrating to this new form of learning due to the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities of international standards. As of today, many students possess internet-enabled devices, yet cannot access the internet as a result of unaffordable data subscription, which has made most learners result in using their devices for non-educational purposes. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the African continent, the possibility to re-open our schools remain bleak. Thus, government, authorities, and regulatory bodies in individual countries must improve on their existing ICT infrastructures for a better online learning experience. This paper serves as a wake-up call on Africa and its educational sector to transit to online learning.