The Effect of the COVID-19 Virus Crisis at Jordanian Higher Education Institutions: A Major View of the Main Benefits and Challenges

Purpose: Amidst the global dissemination of the COVID-19 virus, higher education institutions have increasingly embraced online learning, giving rise to the widespread adoption of virtual classrooms. This shift from physical to virtual instructional models presents a blend of challenges and advantages. Numerous factors impede the implementation of online education in developing nations like Jordan. This research seeks to illuminate the technical and psychological implications inherent in transitioning from traditional to online education in Jordanian academic institutions. Technical considerations include the selection and effectiveness of e-learning applications, devices used by educators and students, instructor technical proficiency, and the evolution of technical competencies over the past eight months. Simultaneously, psychological variables, encompassing academic dishonesty, concentration disparities in online versus in-person exams, and perceived academic earnestnessin the online learningenvironment, are examined. Method- Inductive and deductive methodologies were employed for data collection and analysis in this study. A total of 614 participants contributed to the dataset through online questionnaires and academic publications. Furthermore, 16 successful semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, school deans, department heads, e-learning systems specialists, and lecturers. Findings- The consequential outcomes of this study were amalgamated with a theoretical foundation to formulate a framework delineating the fundamental factors influencing the shift to online learning. Various data analysis technologies, including NVivo, Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI), Microsoft Visio, and additional tools, were employed in the execution of this research. Originality/Significance- This study provides significant empirical evidence concerning the sudden implementation of online learning within the higher education system of a developing country, which previously lacked a virtual infrastructure. (c) 2023 Ani Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.