Navigating the Post-Pandemic World: Challenges and New Horizons in Reshaping Higher Education in Morocco

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant worldwide impact, forcing the implementation of broad self-isolation policies by countries to stop the virus's spread. As a result, businesses and educational institutions were forced to adopt remote employment and online education. The purpose of this study is to investigate how COVID-19 has affected classroom instruction and student learning at Sultan Moulay Slimane University. It also intends to make suggestions for the institution's long-term post-pandemic educational strategy. Ten semi-structured interviews with students are conducted as part of the study approach, and ten senior lecturers in charge of bachelor's and master's courses participate in a workshop thereafter. Snowball sampling is the method used for sampling, making it easier to choose interview subjects and workshop participants. The data gathered from student interviews and the senior lecturer workshop is analyzed using qualitative data analysis, more especially thematic analysis. According to the study's findings, online learning benefits students in a number of ways, including better time management, higher attendance at lectures, flexibility, and self-discipline in their studies. On the other hand, a drop in contact between students and teachers as a result of the move to online learning has resulted in a decrease in social interaction and associated symptoms of despair, anxiety, and stress. The adoption of consistent digital learning tools across all courses, setting aside a specific budget for digital learning resources, offering training and assistance, and using hybrid learning strategies are all part of the proposals made for post-pandemic education. In summary, the study suggests using blended and hybrid learning strategies to improve higher education at Moroccan Universities, more specifically at Sultan Moulay Slimane University, highlighting the need for digital tools to reduce the communication obstacles that students must overcome.