Abstract
Contemporaneity, in its complexity, brings progressive and degressive factors that shape the lives of organisations and individuals. Covid-19, as an unforeseen black swan event, was a massive challenge for universities in Poland and around the world. The education system has been transformed as digitisation of documentation and the use of online platforms during classes have become the only way to maintain the continuity of the education process. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Polish context and to identify potential future opportunities for digital transformation in university teaching through the virtualisation of education. The hypothesis put forward in the paper is that the black swan of Covid-19 and the resulting technological boom have sparked the acceleration of change in higher education. The research data were obtained from secondary and primary sources, using qualitative and quantitative methodology. Using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, the desk research method was used. A diagnostic survey using the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique was used to obtain the primary data. The research findings reveal opportunities for virtualising teaching processes in higher education through e-learning platforms beyond the pandemic.
Metrics
References
- Abad-Segura, E., González-Zamar, M. D., Infante-Moro, J. C., & Ruipérez García, G. (2020). Sustainable management of digital transformation in higher education: Global research trends. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052107;
- Agostino, D., Arnaboldi, M., & Lema, M. D. (2021). New development: COVID-19 as an accelerator of digital transformation in public service delivery. Public Money & Management, 41(1), 69-72
- Ahmad A., Kutan M., & Smarth G. (2021). Black swan events and COVID-19 outbreak: Sector level evidence from the US, UK and European stock markets; International Review of Economics & Finance. Pages 546-557; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2021.04.007
- Akbari, T. T., & Pratomo, R. R. (2022). Higher education digital transformation implementation in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, 10(1), 52-65.
- Alhaimer, R. (2022). Fluctuating attitudes and behaviours of customers toward online shopping in times of emergency: The case of Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Internet Commerce, 21(1), 26-50.
- Androutsos, A., & Brinia, V. (2019). Developing and piloting a pedagogy for teaching innovation, collaboration, and co-creation in secondary education based on design thinking, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Education Sciences, 9(2), 113.
- Arokiasamy, A. R. (2017). A systematic review approach of mobile technology adoption in higher education. Economics, Management and Sustainability, 2(2), 48–55. https://doi.org/10.14254/jems.2017.2-2.5.
- Bamieh O., & Ziegler L. (2022). Are remote work options the new standard? Evidence from vacancy postings during the COVID-19 crisis; Labor Economics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.labeco.2022.102179
- Benavides, L. M. C., Tamayo Arias, J. A., Arango Serna, M. D., Branch Bedoya, J. W., & Burgos, D. (2020). Digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review. Sensors, 20(11), 3291
- Bilan, Y., Mishchuk, H., & Samoliuk, N. (2023). Digital skills of civil servants: Assessing readiness for successful interaction in e-society. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 20(3), 155-174. doi:10.12700/APH.20.3.2023.3.10
- Bond, M., Marín, V. I., Dolch, C., Bedenlier, S., & Zawacki-Richter, O. (2018). Digital transformation in German higher education: student and teacher perceptions and usage of digital media. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 15(1), 1-20.
- Bonfiglio-Pavisich, N. (2018). Technology and Pedagogy Integration: A Model for meaningful technology integration. Australian Educational Computing, 33(1)
- Bonk C., & Graham C. (2006) The handbook of blended learning, Global perspectives, local designs. Pfeiffer A Wiley Imprint.
- Bradley, C., Hirt, M., Hudson, S., Northcote, N., & Smit, S. (2020). The great acceleration. McKinsey & Company, 14.
- Burki, T. K. (2020). COVID-19: consequences for higher education. The Lancet Oncology, 21(6), 758.
- Bygstad, B., Øvrelid, E., Ludvigsen, S., & Dæhlen, M. (2022). From dual digitalisation to digital learning space: Exploring the digital transformation of higher education. Computers & Education, 182, 104463.
- Cahena F., & Borini F. (2020). International digital competence. Journal of International Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2019.100691
- Camacho-Javier, M., & Castillo, J. C. L. D. (2022). A professionalizing process: An intervention in higher education. Revista Electrónica Educare, 26(1), 108-128.
- Chytilová, E., Talíř, M., Straková, J., & Dobrovič, J. (2024). Impact of digital procurement on economic resilience of enterprises during COVID-19. Journal of International Studies, 17(1), 188-204. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-8330.2024/17-1/11
- Crawford, J., & Cifuentes-Faura, J. (2022). Sustainability in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Sustainability, 14(3), 1879
- Davidovitch, N., & Eckhaus, E. (2022). Economics of time: Advantages of e-learning in proportion to the time utilized and the tradeoff between work and studies. Economics and Sociology, 15(2), 222-235. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-789X.2022/152/14
- Dias, T., Gonçalves, R., Lopes da Costa, R., F. Pereira, L., & Dias, Álvaro. (2023). The impact of artificial intelligence on consumer behaviour and changes in business activity due to pandemic effects. Human Technology, 19(1), 121–148. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2023.19-1.8
- Faria, J.A.; & Nóvoa, H. (2020). Digital Transformation at the University of Porto. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Exploring Services Science, Porto, Portugal, 5–7 February 2020.
- Fischer, K. (2020). Confronting the seismic impact of COVID-19: The need for research. Journal of International Students, 10(2), 211.
- Garrison D., & Vaughan N., (2008). Blended learning in higher education, Framework, principles and guidelines. Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint
- Geldart, S. (2022). Remote Work in a Changing World: A Nod to Personal Space, Self-Regulation and Other Health and Wellness Strategies. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerpH₁9084873
- Ghobakhloo, M. (2018). The future of manufacturing industry: A strategic roadmap toward Industry 4.0, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 29(6), 910-936. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-02-2018-0057
- Glette-Iversen I., & Terje A. (2021). On the meaning of and relationship between dragon-kings, black swans and related concepts, Reliability Engineering & System Safety, Volume 211 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2021.107625
- Gómez-Pablos V., Matarranz, M., & Casado-Aranda, LA. (2022). Teachers’ digital competencies in higher education: a systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00312-8
- Hemachandra, S., & Sharkasi, N. (2021, June). Digital Transformation Induced by the Covid-19 Pandemic. In Digital Marketing & eCommerce Conference (pp. 50-61). Springer, Cham
- Hemaswetha, S., Kavitha, C., & Durga, S. Online Education as a Catalyst for Reforming Higher Education.
- Hess, T., Matt, C., Benlian, A., & Wiesböck, F. (2016). Options for formulating a digital transformation strategy. MIS Quarterly Executive, 15(2).
- Hew K., & Cheung W. (2014). Using blended learning, Evidence-based practices. Springer
- Hinings, B., Gegenhuber, T., & Greenwood, R. (2018). Digital innovation and transformation: An institutional perspective. Information and Organisation, 28(1), 52-61.
- Jackson, K., & Konczos Szombathelyi, M. (2022). The influence of COVID-19 on sentiments of higher education students - prospects for the spread of distance learning. Economics and Sociology, 15(3), 216-247. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071789X.2022/15-3/13
- Jafari, N., Azarian, M., & Yu. H. (2022). Moving from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: What Are the Implications for Smart Logistics? Logistics 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics6020026
- Jurczuk, A., & Florea, A. (2022). Future-Oriented Digital Skills for Process Design and Automation. Human Technology, 18(2), 122–142. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2022.18-2.3
- Kaczorowska-Spychalska, D., Kotula, N., Mazurek, G., & Sułkowski, Ł. (2024). Generative AI as source of change of knowledge management paradigm. Human Technology, 20(1), 131–154. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2024.20-1.7
- Kaminskyi, O.Y., Yereshko, J., & Kyrychenko, S.O. (2018). Digital transformation of University Education in Ukraine: Trajectories of Development in the conditions of new technological and economic order. Information Technologies and Learning Tools, 64, 128–137.
- Kang, B. (2021). How the COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the education service. The Future of Service Post-COVID-19 Pandemic, 1, 15.
- Klein, V. B., & Todesco, J. L. (2021). COVID‐19 crisis and SMEs responses: The role of digital transformation. Knowledge and Process Management, 28(2), 117-133
- Kostikova N., Kuzin Z., Gotskaya I., Avskentieva E., & Prokopiev M. (2020). The didactic potential of university electronic information and educational environment in the context of pandemic. Propósitos y Representaciones, Special Number: Teaching for University Students in the Context of Quarantine Measures During Pandemics.
- Kudyba, S. (2020). COVID-19 and the acceleration of digital transformation and the future of work. Information Systems Management, 37(4), 284-287
- Kulikowski, K., Przytuła, S., Sułkowski, Ł., & Rasticova, M. (2022). Technostress of students during COVID-19 - a sign of the time?. Human Technology, 18(3), 234–249. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2022.18-3.3
- Lorenzo, N., & Gallon, R. (2019). Smart pedagogy for smart learning. In Didactics of smart pedagogy (pp. 41-69). Springer, Cham.
- Maama, H. (2024). A critical review of leadership styles in higher education institutions: Implications for employee commitment in South Africa. Economics, Management and Sustainability, 9(2), 84–93. https://doi.org/10.14254/jems.2024.9-2.7
- Matt, C., Hess, T., & Benlian, A. (2015). Digital transformation strategies. Business & information systems engineering, 57(5), 339-343h
- Mishchuk, H., Bilan, Y., & Mishchuk, V. (2023). Employment risks under the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic and their impact on changes in economic behaviour. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 11(2), 201-216. https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2023.110211
- Mohamed Hashim, M. A., Tlemsani, I., & Matthews, R. (2022). Higher education strategy in digital transformation. Education and Information Technologies, 27(3), 3171-3195.
- Morze, N., & Buinytska, O. (2019). Digital Competencies of University Teachers. In: Smyrnova-Trybulska, E., Kommers, P., Morze, N., Malach, J. (eds) Universities in the Networked Society. Critical Studies of Education, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05026-9_2
- Nambisan, S., Wright, M., & Feldman, M. (2019). The digital transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship: Progress, challenges and key themes. Research Policy, 48(8), 103773.
- Núñez-Canala M., Obessob M., & Pérez-Rivero C. (2022). New challenges in higher education: A study of the digital competence of educators in Covid times; Technological Forecasting and Social Change https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121270
- Olubiyi, T. O. (2024). Achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four (4) in Africa: Spotlighting the role of quality education and innovation orientation. Economics, Management and Sustainability, 9(1), 105–118. https://doi.org/10.14254/jems.2024.9-1.8
- Pesha A., & Kamarova T. (2020). Online Education: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Key Competencies of the 21st Century During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Proceedings of the Research Technologies of Pandemic Coronavirus Impact, Series: Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201105.029
- Popovici V., & Popovici A. (2020). Remote Work Revolution: Current Opportunities and Challenges for Organisations; “Ovidius” University Annals, Economic Sciences Series
- Potjanajaruwit, P. (2023). The influence of technology leadership on university lecturers integrating technology in Thailand. Human Technology, 19(3), 435–452. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2023.19-3.7
- Prieto-Gutierrez, J.-J., Segado-Boj, F., & Da Silva França, F. (2023). Artificial intelligence in social science: A study based on bibliometrics analysis. Human Technology, 19(2), 149–162. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2023.19-2.1
- Rakshit, D., & Paul, A. (2020). Strategic Approach to Overcome Crisis. Nmims Management Review, 77-97.
- Rodrigues, L.S. (2017). Challenges of digital transformation in higher education institutions: A brief discussion. In Proceedings of the 30th International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2017—Vision 2020: Sustainable Economic Development, Innovation Management, and Global Growth, Madrid, Spain, 8–9 November 2017.
- Roth, M., Klarmann, A., & Franczyk, B. (2013). Future Logistics - Challenges, Requirements and Solutions for Logistics Networks, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790211039723
- Rudnicka, A., Newbold, J., Cook, D., Cecchinato M., Gould, S., & Cox, A. (2020). Eworklife: developing effective strategies for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. In: Eworklife: developing effective strategies for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Future of Work Online Symposium: Online.
- Sánchez-Cruzado, C.; Santiago Campión, R.; & Sánchez-Compaña, M.T. (2021). Teacher Digital Literacy: The Indisputable Challenge after COVID-19. Sustainability https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041858
- Sapta, I., Muafi, M., & Setini, N. M. (2021). The role of technology, organisational culture, and job satisfaction in improving employee performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics, and Business, 8(1), 495-505
- Schilirò, D. (2020). Towards digital globalisation and the covid-19 challenge. MPRA Paper No. 100504.
- Simonette, M., Magalhães, M., & Spina, E. (2021). Digital Transformation of Academic Management: All the Tigers Come at Night. In Radical Solutions for Digital Transformation in Latin American Universities (pp. 77-92). Springer, Singapore.
- Spicer, A. (2020). Organisational culture and COVID-19. Journal of Management Studies, 57(8), 1737-1740
- Staniec, I., Kaczorowska-Spychalska, D., Kalinska-Kula, M., & Szczygiel, N. (2023). The need to work from home in higher education during the first phase of COVID-19: Employee productivity, autonomy, work relationships, job satisfaction and well-being. Journal of International Studies, 16(4), 257-280. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-8330.2023/16-4/17
- Sułkowski, L. (2020). Covid-19 pandemic; recession, virtual revolution leading to de-globalisation?. Journal of Intercultural Management, 12(1), 1-11
- Sułkowski, L., Kolasińska-Morawska, K., Seliga, R., & Morawski, P. (2021). Smart learning technologisation in the Economy 5.0—The Polish perspective. Applied Sciences, 11(11), 5261.
- Sułkowski, L., Wozniak, A., & Seliga, R. (2019). Organisational identity of university in merger process. Economic and Social Development: Book of Proceedings, 756-762.
- Suprapti, S., Asbari, M., Cahyono, Y., & Mufid, A. (2020). Leadership style, organisational culture and innovative behaviour on public health center performance during pandemic Covid-19. Journal of Industrial Engineering & Management Research, 1(2), 76-88.
- Thorne K. (2003). Blended learning, how to integrate online & traditional learning, Kogan Page, London & Sterling.
- Tyutyuryukov V., & Guseva N. (2021). From remote work to digital nomads: Tax issues and tax opportunities of digital lifestyle. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2021.10.443
- Vial, G. (2019). Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda. The journal of strategic information systems, 28(2), 118-144
- Vial, G. (2019). Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda. The journal of strategic information systems, 28(2), 118-144.
- Wilson, S. (2020). The pandemic, the acceleration of digital transformation and the impact on cyber security. Computer Fraud & Security, 2020(12), 13-15.
- Yarovaya L., Matkovskyy R., & Jalan A. (2021). The COVID-19 black swan crisis: Reaction and recovery of various financial markets; Research in International Business and Finance https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2021.101521
- Zain, S. (2021). Digital transformation trends in education. In Future Directions in Digital Information (pp. 223-234). Chandos Publishing.
- Zhaoa Y., Pinto Llorente A., & Sánchez Gómez M. (2021). Digital competence in higher education research: A systematic literature review. Computers & Education, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104212
