Harnessing technology and innovation to address emerging issues: Covid-19: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

This study explores the opportunities and challenges presented through harnessing technology and innovation to address COVID-19 as an emerging issue in higher education institutions in Kenya. COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Kenya. The pandemic forced institutions to migrate to online learning, impacting the quality of education, enrollment rates, and mental health challenges students face. The study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating secondary sources of information and primary data from experts such as Ministry of Education officials, university management, students' counsellors, and teaching staff from Kenyan universities. It focused on teaching and assessment delivery, enrollment rates, education quality, ICT infrastructure access, and mental health challenges. The study revealed that universities with established e-learning support departments were better equipped to transition to online learning, with the level of preparedness of teaching staff for online delivery is a significant factor in enhancing performance. However, enrollment rates did not increase significantly, and mental health challenges were common among students due to the digital divide. Higher education institutions in Kenya should invest in e-learning support departments and bridge the digital divide to prepare teaching staff for better online delivery. Universities should also consider a hybrid approach to teaching and learning that combines online and face-to-face delivery modes to ensure better learning outcomes.