An evidence-based approach to learning and teaching during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

On 5 March 2020, South Africa’s Health Minister confirmed that the first case of Covid-19 had been detected in the country and on 15 March the President announced a national state of disaster, followed by various measures including the closure of schools on 18 March. On 17 March 2020, the Minister of Higher Education announced that universities would close until 15 April 2020 for early recess. At this time the Minister also instructed higher education institutions to begin preparations for online teaching and learning that “may need to be put in place to support the academic programme at a later stage”. Following his announcement, most universities announced their intention to switch to Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL) on 16 April 2020