Tourism and Hotel Management Faculty Members' Perception of Using Microsoft Teams as an Alternative Educational Tool during COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities

Montaser, Nancy Mohamed; Hasanein, Ahmed Mohamed

doi:10.21608/jihtha.2021.349089

Tourism and Hotel Management Faculty Members' Perception of Using Microsoft Teams as an Alternative Educational Tool during COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities

نوع المستند : المقالة الأصلية

المؤلفون

Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University, Egypt

10.21608/jihtha.2021.349089

المستخلص

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, universities have been enforced to use other educational tools in order to deal with the crisis and keep academic activities going. The Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities (SCU) chose implementing online learning using Microsoft (MS) Teams during the second wave of the pandemic. This research examines the challenges faced by tourism and hotel management faculty members in determining their preparation for online learning using MS Teams and the opportunities to overcome these challenges during this time. To achieve this aim, in-depth online interviews with Tourism and Hotel Management Faculty members were conducted. The findings of the research revealed that online learning via MS Teams has the following challenges: the lack of faculty electronic environment, assistance, and academic staff readiness. As a result, technological, methodological, professional development programs for faculty members are critical to minimize the negative effects of rapid educational changes and ensure effective online education. However, e-learning support and flexibility were the key opportunities. Due to COVID-19, online learning using MS Teams can be used as a temporary substitute, but it cannot replace traditional face-to-face learning especially for practical modules. Research implications for higher education decision-makers and academics are provided.

الكلمات الرئيسية