The influence of Covid-19 on the usage of Online, Blended and Physical teaching: A case of three universities in Mbarara City – Uganda

The Covid-19 pandemic led to the global change in people’s lifestyles, with many countries enforcing lockdowns. This occurrence forced learning institutions in Uganda to adopt long distance learning. The major aim of this study was to analyze the effects of Covid-19 lockdown on the utilization of different teaching modes (physical/face to face, online, and blended) during and after the lockdown as compared to the pre-pandemic period. A cross-sectional study approach was used to examine the response of different programs (three universities) with reference to adaptation of their teaching practices during the Covid era. In our approach, we used a quantitative method with a questionnaire tool, created through Google Forms. The study took place over a period of one month in 2023, with a sample of thirteen purposively selected respondents (heads of faculties from Mbarara University of Science and Technology; bishop Stuart university, and University St Joseph-Mbarara). Results indicated a drastic shift in delivery modes, the combination of blended and online with physical modes to maintain continuity in academics while ensuring student safety and flexibility. However, we also noticed that some institutions that had become physical post lockdown and could not go into e-learning completely because of some technical challenges. The study suggests that learning institutions in Uganda should prepare for the successful implementation of blended learning with reference to these results. Furthermore, it is important to investigate the obstacles for full utilization of e-learning and some institutions going back to traditional ways of teaching.