Students’ Use of Digital Online Resources in Music Study at Zimbabwe State Universities in Response to COVID-19

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced people to avoid physical contact and prompted an urgent global need to shift towards increased use of digital media resources in teaching and learning at all levels of education. This chapter reviews the virtual alternatives that are available for the academic theory and practical study in selected state universities in Zimbabwe. A sample of 30 randomly selected university music students was included in the study. Through a qualitative paradigm the research explored strengths and weaknesses in using virtual resources and suggested ideas for current and post-COVID-19 contexts. Results indicate that there is a need to adjust to the new trajectory with a comprehensive look at new alternatives available for use. The government of Zimbabwe should increase assistance to state-run universities in order for them to offer quality online education. Currently, all Zimbabwean state universities still need to establish uninterrupted flow of Internet connectivity for online studying and sufficient digital media resources in place of the traditional face-to-face education. Institutions of higher education in Zimbabwe particularly state universities should work with stakeholders and Internet service providers to ensure the accessibility of the Internet facility and required devices to students in the remote parts of Zimbabwe for virtual education to be tenable to all.