Transition from Classroom Teaching to E-learning in a Blink of an Eye

Annus, Ivar

The main purpose of this paper is to give an overview and the lessons learnt about the abrupt transition from traditional classroom teaching to distance learning based on the experience of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). The rapid outburst of the COVID-19 virus led to a situation that the government had to shut down all the schools and universities and all the teaching activities had to be carried out without physical contact. The universities had one weekend to conduct the transition. The influence of the rapid change in teaching practice was analysed using the feedback of the study program directors, students and academic staff. The main enablers and disablers with the main constraints are presented. Analysis showed that the transition is impeded both by the lack of technological solutions (i.e. remote usage of laboratories) and by human resources (i.e. skills and willingness to conduct the transition by the academic staff). The unique and hopefully non-recurrent situation enables to analyse both the institutional, technological and personal readiness to adapt with the rapid changes in teaching practice. The outcomes of the experience will be used to improve the readiness and competences at all levels at TalTech.