Distance Learning Methods in Algerian Universities: Current Status and Prospects

Abstract

Distance education emerged in Algeria post-independence and initially took the form of correspondence education. With the advancement of technology, the spread of information technology, and the prevalence of the internet and social media, distance learning gained prominence. Its significance grew exponentially when the world was struck by a deadly pandemic, forcing a halt to direct social interactions. Only the internet remained as the sole link connecting individuals across countries, societies, and the entire globe. This research explores the methods of distance learning in Algerian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to describe and introduce these methods and clarify the process of education through them. It investigates the continuity of distance learning in Algerian universities after the pandemic and the practical implementation thereof. The study addresses the following question: What are the adopted methods of distance education in Algerian universities during the pandemic? The author has listed and described these methods, elucidating how education is delivered remotely. The goal is to understand the current state of distance education in Algerian universities. Furthermore, the research delves into the future prospects of distance learning in Algerian universities, seeking to answer the question of whether distance education will persist after the pandemic and in what forms it may manifest.