DISTANCE LEARNING DISTANCE LEARNING IN THE BENI MELLAL-KHÉNIFRA REGION (MOROCCO) AFTER THE CORONA PANDEMIC: THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to address the topic of distance learning during periods of crises (such as wars, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, pandemics, etc.), particularly analyzing the case of distance education in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it posed in overcoming the constraints that prevented students from accessing educational institutions. From this perspective, the problem of our topic is addressed the reality of distance education in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region (Morocco), the encountered difficulties, and the expected future prospects after overcoming the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showing that factors such as poverty and social vulnerability, high illiteracy rates among a significant portion of households, insufficient necessary equipment and appropriate pedagogical and technological tools, especially in rural areas of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, in addition to inadequate training of educational staff in digitalization and digital pedagogy, as well as the high cost and poor coverage of internet, are among the main reasons that contributed to the inability of students in peripheral and remote areas to keep pace with remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.