Digital Transformation in Distance Learning: Problems and Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic

Sidra Noreen, Norman Reid

Abstract

Abstract
COVID-19 has affected universities in many countries as face-toface contacts were reduced to minimize virus transmission. It has
required universities to move to online teaching and learning mode
which caused diverse challenges. This study looks at the key problems
and challenges as seen by both learners and academics of the Allama
Iqbal Open University. For this purpose, 20 learners and 12 academics
from the Faculty of Education were selected through purposive sampling
technique. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group
discussions and interviews. Thematic analysis was used to generate
themes and codes. The major findings are that there is a lack of access to
digital technology and reliable internet connectivity, especially for
learners from rural areas. Both academics and learners lack experience in
how to use the new technologies. Much of the software is insufficiently
user-friendly with a lack of support offered. The study concludes that the
effectiveness of rapidly growing digital learning will be greatly limited
until these key challenges are addressed.
Keywords: digital learning, problems and challenges, distance
learning, COVID-19