A FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF E-LEARNING AND BLENDED LEARNING DURING THE CORONA PANDEMIC
Authors: Hussain JASSIM Habar , Abdulameer KADHIM Hieam , Raoof JASIM Rafid 
Published: January 2024

In late 2019, the Wuhan City Health Commission reported mass cases of a mysterious pneumonia in Wuhan, China, which the World Health Organization (WHO) later named the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Within two years, 150 million people were infected and 3 million died (World meter, 2021). WHO has announced safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and maintaining a social distance of 1 meter. Social distance affected both the economic system and societies. The epidemic shut down many economies, shutting down businesses, which ultimately led to mass layoffs and poverty. There was also a major disruption in the education system, as schools, colleges and universities were temporarily closed due to social distancing. Schools were closed in almost 200 countries. Over the last few years, we have seen a huge increase in the use of various technologies to support the learning and training of organizations. For many organizations, online learning is the default choice. The terms e-learning and blended learning are often used interchangeably, which is not a problem in casual conversation. The main difference between e-learning and blended learning is that e-learning takes place entirely over the Internet, while blended learning uses both face-to-face classroom sessions and online learning methods. The main difference between e - learning and blended learning is that e-learning is a learning method that uses only online platforms, while blended learning offers a combination of online methods and traditional face -to-face classroom learning methods. Although teacher instruction is provided in a blended learning environment, teacher instruction is often not provided in an online learning environment. In addition, students must follow self-study and independent learning methods in online learning. In addition, e-learning environments offer students the freedom to choose their own learning pace. This study aims to follow up how online learning effectiveness during this special time. The researchers developed a semi-closed questionnaire based on a 1-0 point scale from 1=yes to 0=no. The items in the questionnaire were based on the attitudes of students, parents and educators about blended learning. The questionnaire contains 5 parts: bio, technological aspect, educational aspect, platforms and applications, Training aspect and Suggestion. The section includes information about whether the respondent is a parent, student or educator. The technology department simulates several technical and technological aspects and the suitability of technical equipment in your home. The training section contains some points about the teaching-learning during e-learning. In the Apps and Platforms section, we consider which platform or program is best for e-learning or blended learning in Iraq. In the education section, many people wonder about the competence of the teacher and the student, and do they need more education. The impact of online learning on education creates new challenges for teachers, parents and students who take online courses that must be quickly overcome. The process of teaching and learning in an online learning environment is different from a traditional classroom and can be more challenging for both teachers and students. For the teacher and the student to succeed in this new learning, it is important to recognize the challenges and consider the best practices of online learning. To understand the difficulties associated with online learning, it is important to define what is meant by the term "e-learning". Clark and Mayer (2011) define elearning as learning delivered through any technology designed to promote learning. Unlike a traditional classroom, teaching and learning are done differently in an e-learning environment, which can create new difficulties for both teachers and students using this e-learning platform. Through technological learning tools, the traditional classroom learning environment has been replaced by online or blended learning, which is drastically changing the face of education. To ensure student success, it is important to consider the difficulties that teachers and students face in an online learning environment.