The Adoption of Online Teaching and Learning strategy in Tertiary Learning Institutions in Tanzania amidst COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT:The teaching and learning process has been a big revolution since Corona Virus Disease 19(COVID-19) has spread out to the world. This paper assessed adoption of Online Teaching and Learning in theMidst of COVID-19 in Tertiary Learning Institutions in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined readinesslevel of students and teachers on the practices of online teaching and learning strategy during COVID-19 andlock down; the attitude of students towards online teaching and learning; and online teaching and learningfacilities in Tertiary Learning Institutions in Tanzania. A case study research design was adopted while a sampleof 87 respondents was selected using judgemental sampling technique. Data was collected through aquestionnaire tool while descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that57.5% ofstudents were ready to learn though online services. On other hand the findings revealed that collegemanagement and staff were not ready to adopt online teaching and learning strategy. The reluctant of staffswere caused by inadequate online learning resources, incapability of staff, and absence of policies andguidelines issued by government on application of online teaching and learning programs. The study concludesthat although there was high degree of readiness of students and internet accessibility, the adoption of onlineteaching and learning strategy was impossible due to inadequate facilities. Therefore, the study recommend tothe government to establish and issue the policies and guidelines about the application of online teaching andlearning technologies.

Key words: Online Teaching and Learning, Tertiary Learning Institutions, COVID-19, Online learningfacilities.