Developing a Model for a Distance Learning Environment to Confront Crises and Disasters

Abstract

The current era is characterized by many accelerating events that directly affect education, most of which have a negative impact. Natural disasters, epidemics, wars, and other events are among these events. In recent years, the world has witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it clear beyond doubt that institutions' educational systems were not prepared with alternative educational systems to confront such disasters, and thus, education was greatly affected, the effects of which are still present today. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for such events by designing and developing electronic learning environments through which learning can be transferred safely and effectively. Such environments are comprehensive and self-sufficient to transfer learning in its three aspects: cognitive, skill, and psychological aspects of the learner. Considering this, the current research was interested in designing a model for an e-learning environment for distance learning that provides everything the learners may need. It includes scientific and health knowledge, mental and physical exercise, and educational platforms for interaction. This is considering a survey study of students at Ain Shams University, one of the largest universities in Egypt, in several faculties to determine the extent of the shortcomings in the electronic platforms used during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of one of the most dangerous disasters that the world has witnessed in contemporary times, which directly affected education in all educational institutions. The results revealed a clear need for improvement in these platforms regarding general design, communication tools, strategies, educational activities, and feedback. Hence, there is an inevitable need to develop a model for an e-learning environment for distance education that can be used effectively to transfer learning, especially in crises, disasters, and epidemics.