Paper Details

The development and advancement of information technology provide a technical platform for education reform and opportunities for innovation in education. The global COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal that further springboards such opportunities to large scale implementation of online education. Because online education has the advantages of flexibility, information accessibility, global reach, equity, innovation, and efficiency, a growing number of educational institutions are offering degree-granting distance and hybrid education programs. However, online education also has its shortcomings, which include technological constraints, the lack of a sense of belonging and connectedness, the presence of distractions, and a lack of engagement. Learners who have basic technical skills and access to technology (i.e., hardware and software), and are self-motivated in learning as well as self-disciplined in time management can succeed in online education. Online education in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, which is the next normal, will continue to play an important role. By incorporating artificial intelligence and mobile education, online education will coexist with traditional education to provide more education options, promote education equity, and enhance education innovation.

Benefits, Challenges, Online education, strategies, Higher education, Technical Skill & Constraints