Abstract
The main aim of this article is to explore the information and computer technology (ICT)
challenges experienced by students due to Covid-19. The research was conducted at a South
African university in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, which has about 30,000
registered students. Major challenges experienced by the students were the change from
face-to-face lectures to on-line teaching without being prepared for this and, in many cases,
without being equipped with the necessary ICT equipment and services (e.g., laptops, iPads,
smartphones, etc., and poor or no access to on-line services like Wi-Fi). Many students struggled
to come to terms with business as usual transforming to business unusual as the ‘new’ way of
learning. Students also suffered severe emotional and psychological problems that will be
discussed in this article. Due to all these challenges, students began to suffer burn-out, severe
depression and feelings of desperation and isolation – and even hopelessness and despair.
Amongst other issues, these factors necessitated this study. The research methodology used in the
study is a qualitative research approach using online questionnaires and reflective essays. A
sample of 20 registered intermediate-phase students was selected as participants by applying a
purposive sampling strategy.