International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies(iJIM) – eISSN: 1865-7923 – Vol  16 No  13 (2022)


Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital 
Learning as a Tool for Education During the COVID-19

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i13.30909

Muhammad Yasir1(), Abrar Ullah2, Muhammad Siddique3, 
Zeeshan Hamid4, Nohman Khan5

1Department of Management Sciences and Commerce, Bacha Khan University,  
Charsadda, Pakistan

2Department of Management Sciences, University of Swabi, Anbar, Pakistan
3Department of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Lahore, Pakistan

4Department of Management Sciences, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute 
of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Islamabad, Pakistan

5UNIKL Business School, University of Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
dryasir@bkuc.edu.pk

Abstract—The current study’s objective examines contemporary advance-
ments in learning utilizing digital technology for educational purposes during the 
recent pandemic outbreak. The study analysed the challenges, capabilities, and 
resilience of these digital learning environments and the future of digital learn-
ing. The PRISM statement is used to select records and assess the final 37 studies 
for the current investigation. According to the findings, the COVID-19 pandemic 
posed a significant challenge to educational institutions, and online learning was 
a challenging work for students and teachers. The availability of a large number 
of digital learning platforms, on the other hand, considerably mitigates the prob-
lem. Students’ and teachers’ skills and capacities have grown as a result of the 
learning process utilising digital platforms. The current study’s findings show 
that education in the post-COVID-19 era is heavily reliant on digital sources, and 
that new technologies greatly enhance the learning process.

Keywords—digital learning, digital platforms, resilience, educational institutes, 
online learning

1 Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the globe, impacting practically all 
nations and regions. Countries throughout the world warned people to exercise caution. 
In order to flatten the curve and restrict the spread of the disease, lockdown and stay-
at-home techniques have been used [1]. According to Sintema [2], most countries have 
undertaken lockdown and social separation measures due to the COVID-19 outbreak, 
which has resulted in the closure of schools, training institutes, and further education 
facilities. Educators provide quality instruction through various online media, represent-
ing a paradigm shift. Despite the difficulties that educators and students confront, online 
learning, distance learning, and continuing education have effectively combated this 

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https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i13.30909
mailto:dryasir@bkuc.edu.pk


Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

unprecedented global pandemic [3]. Transitioning from traditional face-to-face learning 
to online learning can be a radically different experience for both students and teachers, 
but it is one that they must adjust to since there are few or no other choices. The school 
system and instructors have embraced “Education in Emergency” through various online 
platforms and are now obligated to adopt a system for which they are unprepared [4].

Consequently, schools must perform remote and digital learning to preserve edu-
cational continuity throughout the world. That presented a more significant challenge 
for policymakers and educators to advance educational activities [4]. Since the tech-
nological capabilities were insufficient to manage online, many management issues 
arose. According to Faridah et al [5], during the Covid-19 period, governments and 
corporations committed a significant sum to the research and development of digital 
teaching platforms in a changing learning environment. Many digital teaching plat-
forms and various digital teaching resources have been produced, and universities have 
been actively using various digital teaching platforms for instruction to enhance student 
learning outcomes. Aside from that, using digital platforms for remote learning was 
not straightforward or inexpensive. With so many platforms and online educational 
resources available, educators and learners—experience regular difficulties when uti-
lizing or referring to them. Many researchers have recognized and emphasized. Acces-
sibility, cost, flexibility, learning methodology, life-long learning, and educational 
policy are all problems with e-learning [6]. After some time, countries increasingly 
accepted digital learning and a range of online platforms. Jitsi Meet, Google Meet, 
Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Zoom, and other online learning tools are used. How-
ever, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Zoom were the most commonly utilized dig-
ital platforms in this survey. During the COVID-19 epidemic, those platforms were 
most often employed in teaching and learning [7].

The shift from face-to-face to online classes was abrupt and unwelcome. It is valid 
for all higher education courses and programs, but it is more difficult for teacher edu-
cation. If the adaptation process in foundational courses required a focus on resources, 
ways of connecting with students, pedagogical decisions, and so on, the process in 
practice-based modules, and especially in practicum, was much more demanding 
and challenging [8]. The COVID-19 scenario necessitates knowledge, abilities, and 
self- assurance regarding online teaching effectiveness. As one of the most significant 
categories in teacher competence, students acceptability and learning from home [9]. 
The teachers and students initially were not aware of the digital platforms enough to 
handle them properly; to some extent, many parents also lacked the skills and abili-
ties to incorporate digital learning [9]. The current study’s contribution is to examine 
contemporary advancements in learning utilizing digital technology for educational 
purposes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the current research will examine the chal-
lenges, capabilities, and resilience of these digital learning environments and the future 
of digital learning. The purpose is to assess the impact of a recent viral outbreak on 
online learning platforms and to forecast where digital learning will go in the future.

2 Materials and methods

The PRISMA statement 2015 is used by researchers all around the globe in presen-
ting results and developing research procedures. The SLR is a tool for improving 

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

reviews and meta-analyses [10]. The PRISMA statement template summarises the 
entire research process for this SLR’s article selection and rejection. The scope of this 
SLR research is confined to published literature on digital learning during COVID-19. 
The literature is extracted using Scopus and ‘Web of Science,’ two known databases. 
Recent reports and editorials on digital learning topics were also included in the 
research. In the search bar, type in “digital learning” AND “COVID-19.” The data-
base’s total results were 250; the internal search option employs the inner search for 
enhanced clarity of the effects; the term future is employed. There were 240 results in 
the database. The disciplines chosen for the current study were social science, business, 
management, accounting, computer science, and psychology for the other procedure. 
The total number of subjects chosen was reduced to 166. The final published articles 
chosen reviews and book chapters were also included for the significant inclusion. 
Furthermore, reduce the results by selecting just published papers for review, and the 
publication step is complete. Finally, for the current study, the minimum number of 
citations for an article must be three times, which brings the 37 studies for review.

Fig. 1. The PRISMA statement 2015

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

3 Results

3.1 Descriptive analysis

The subject base is further divided in the final 37 research. The allocation of the 
research based on topic categories revealed that business, management, and account-
ing contributed the most, with 12 articles in the current study for evaluation. The 
second-largest papers, with 9, are from computer science. Social science had the 
third-highest number of research publications, with seven, environmental science with 
three, and psychology with six. The findings of the subject-wise selection of articles for 
the current study are shown in Figure 2.

Business, management,
and accounting

33% 

Computer science
24% 

Social science
19%

Environmental
science

8%

Psychology
16%

Subjects 

Fig. 2. Distribution of subjects on digital learning

The research focuses on the COVID-19-time frame in which the publications were 
published. The primary goal of the year-by-year distribution is to figure out how many 
articles were selected and met the review’s criteria each year. Figure three depicts the 
literature year base graph from 2020 to 2022. With 17 articles, the year 2021 had the 
most contributions. The year 2020 is second on the list, with 16 digital learning research 
publications, while 2022 adds four more. Figure 3 displays the detailed information for 
articles from different years.

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

Fig. 3. The distribution of selected articles in the year of publication

Furthermore, the current study’s journal-based publication analysis reveals that 
 Educational Technology Research and Development, Information and Learning 
 Science, Education Sciences, Computers in Human Behavior and Technology, Ped-
agogy and Education contribute the most articles, each with two studies. Journal of 
 Educational Computing Research, Distance Education, and Sustainability make sig-
nificant contributions to the field (Switzerland). Figure 4 depicts the findings of the 
research article chosen from each publication.

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Fig. 4. Extraction of literature from the sources (journals)

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

4 Classifications of literature

Digital learning is evolving rapidly, and academics are delving deeper into these 
technological shifts one by one. Several technologies are employed in digital  learning; 
the current study assesses technology utilization for learning and educational pur-
poses. A further categorization of digital learning drives the literature and researcher 
 viewpoint on technology adaption in the tourist sector. Most of the digital technology 
literature focuses on researchers to create learning environments. The authors employed 
the  keyword clouding technique to find the most common terms used in the research. 
As previously stated, 54 research were included in the keyword clouding approach in 
the first stage of the literature review; also, these studies were utilized to identify the 
literature classes from these keywords, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Keyword occurrences and relevance score

Term Occurrences Relevance Score

access 17 0.7822

addition 13 0.9992

article 23 0.6352

aspect 20 0.5786

author 11 0.6514

case study 14 0.7653

change 25 0.3201

concept 19 0.3262

condition 15 0.9589

context 26 0.6077

country 20 0.3331

course 27 0.4628

crisis 23 0.7589

data 39 0.5552

design methodology approach 10 6.1647

digital learning environment 16 0.7483

digital platform 10 0.8732

educator 13 0.8258

effect 25 0.5307

end 12 0.6538

face 28 0.578

faculty 15 1.2126

field 11 0.438

future 11 0.5311

government 11 1.2167

higher education 31 0.4522
(Continued)

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

Term Occurrences Relevance Score

higher education institution 12 1.8057

home 11 1.2705

implementation 20 1.0673

implication 21 1.3188

information 16 1.2286

institution 26 0.7932

instruction 16 1.0244

knowledge 13 0.736

lack 13 0.9721

learner 17 0.3723

learning process 13 0.5791

online teaching 15 0.4796

order 12 0.8636

originality value 10 6.1647

outbreak 15 0.781

participant 17 0.7985

pedagogy 16 1.2493

perception 16 1.2586

place 16 1.1522

practice 30 0.5709

problem 16 1.7127

questionnaire 22 0.5834

relationship 15 1.0791

resource 27 0.5828

response 30 0.539

school 40 0.5872

term 14 0.5754

world 21 0.8941

Through content analysis, the literature was further assessed for research categori-
zation. The content categorization of published articles is investigated using the VOS 
Viewer tool. Data networks are built using cluster-linked ideas. Recent research has 
confirmed that the author keywords used in the databases’ indexation approach for 
publications are also helpful for bibliometric analysis, which is used to investigate the 
types of research topics [11]. As a result, we employed both sorts of keywords for the 
co-occurrence study within the scientific subject of digital learning. The study con-
tained 37 records, and the data yielded 54 keywords. The first yellow cluster represents 
higher education, digital learning, and online teaching methodology. Digital platforms 
are in blue, while research on the learning process is grey. Figure 5 indicates the text 
frequency co-occurrence.

Table 1. Keyword occurrences and relevance score (Continued)

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

Fig. 5. Research classifications using the text network technique

5 Classification of literature

5.1 Digital learning environment

The motivation for increased use of technology in educational institutions often 
revolves around improving student learning experiences and supporting the devel-
opment of digital literacy, critical thinking, cooperation, and other 21st-century abil-
ities [12]. The relevance of digital learning and learning platforms has increased 
dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of an online class-
room setting, completely unforeseen, is causing a rapid transformation in all education 
sectors. It revealed that students and teachers had limited opportunities to adjust to a 
new environment with more impact than face-to-face contact. As a result, the teachers 
faced several difficulties collaborating with students in an online setting [13]. The dig-
ital environment was a new challenge for students and educationalists regarding skills 
and capabilities. According to Aditya [14], regardless of educational policy, it is no lon-
ger accurate to say that most teachers lack sufficient technical skills because educators 
today are always eager to learn something about advanced technologies in digital learn-
ing and a slew of innovations in integrating digital learning technologies have been 
introduced. The findings of [15] more professional development opportunities should 
be implemented, faculty should be given more time to focus on integrating technology 
into their classrooms, and IT support systems should be improved to ensure teachers do 
not deviate from more sound, blended-learning practices, according to the researchers.

However, the obligation to immediately shift to an online form creates several chal-
lenges for school officials, teachers, and students [16]. Managing logistical difficul-
ties, such as the interplay between the school’s unified regulations and the autonomous 
arrangements of teachers and pupils, was one of the challenges school administrators 

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faced due to the COVID-19 outbreak [17]. According to N. Khan & Qureshi [18], 
teachers experienced challenges due to a lack of technological and pedagogical support 
and familiarity with using internet resources regularly. Teachers must give direction 
and support to students to help them navigate the online learning environment inde-
pendently. In addition to this, higher education is seeing a growing move to online 
learning, which has prompted concern and anxiety among many teachers who lack 
the necessary skills, resources, and pedagogic acumen [19]. The findings of Bhardwaj  
et al [20] concluded that the transition to online learning had gone well. To improve the 
effectiveness of online teaching. It has also been advised that actions be taken to reduce 
anxiety and promote active involvement by learners. That indicates that the number of 
people who utilize online education is growing, and the digital learning environment is 
resilient for students and educationalists. Table 2 illustrates the information of authors, 
segmentations, settings, and citations of the record included for the current study.

Table 2. Records illustrated in digital learning environment

Authors Year Cited By Segment Settings

Scully D., Lehane P., Scully C. 2021 8 educational 
institutions 
worldwide

digital 
competence

Sawangchai A., Prasarnkarn H., 
Kasuma J., Polyakova A.G., Qasim S.

2020 8 higher education E-learning of 
entrepreneurs

Aditya D.S. 2021 5 educational setting human 
resources and 
infrastructure

Shamir-Inbal T., Blau I. 2021 6 teachers’ pedagogical 
strategies

Hebrew-
speaking and 
Arabic-speaking 
schools

Colpitts B.D.F., Smith M.D., 
McCurrach D.P.

2020 3 digital divide IT platforms

Fulton C. 2020 13 higher education e-guests

Engerman J.A., Otto R.F. 2021 3 university teachers’ design work

Bhardwaj P., Gupta P.K., Panwar H., 
Siddiqui M.K., Morales-Menendez R., 
Bhaik A.

2021 5 student engagement deep learning

5.2 Digital platforms

The use of technology in learning, such as gamification, apps, and gadgets, is not a 
new concept. The use of digital technology, social media, and virtual worlds has consid-
erably helped me learn. True, instructors should pay more attention to technology in their 
classrooms since it affects distance learning [21]. According to Njoki [22], one of the 
major issues during online teaching was technology, including hardware, software, and 
internet access. 10% of students reported they did not have access to high-speed internet, 
which resulted in 5% of students missing courses due to internet outages. The availability 

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

of digital learning tools promptly was also a big concern. In terms of financial prospects, 
educational establishments wanted simple platforms to use and access [23]. During the 
savior COVID-19 pandemic, several new innovative software like Zoom, Google Meet, 
Cisco Webex, and Microsoft Teams emerged. In most parts of the world, the learning 
process has become more straightforward and relaxed for students and teachers [24]. 
Although, the availability of many digital platforms has some other challenges associ-
ated in terms of digital skills both for students and teachers. Teachers and students have 
likely adapted to a more or less emphasized digitalization strategy and infrastructure 
of their institution during regular onsite  teaching in higher education settings, meaning 
that good quality on the spot teaching is possible even when not all opportunities for 
digital teaching are available [25].

However, students’ use of digital technology is critical since it became essential for 
studying during the epidemic. Furthermore, the necessity for digital equipment at home 
rose during the pandemic, but technological needs may have increased as well; for 
example, video conferencing requires more complex technology than viewing a digital 
document [26]. The findings of Cullinan et al [27] suggested that skill gaps were also 
considerably seen during online learning utilizing digital platforms, indicating that not 
only at the teacher and student levels but also at the parent level, where parents’ digital 
abilities were insufficient for students at the school level. Furthermore, the availability 
of digital platforms is a critical challenge in terms of the digital divide. Many education 
institutions in developing nations lack access to the internet and technology neces-
sary to conduct instructional operations during a pandemic breakout [28]. Furthermore, 
during pandemic outbreaks, internet platforms played a critical role in continuing edu-
cation initiatives, and many new digital resources are now available for learning online. 
Table 3 illustrates the information of authors, segmentations, settings, and citations of 
the record included for the current study.

Table 3. Records illustrated in digital platforms

Authors Year Cited By Segment Settings

Amin F.M., Sundari H. 2020 12 remote teaching digital learning 
system

Marshall D.T., Shannon D.M., Love S.M. 2020 20 English learners remote instruction

Abburi R., Praveena M., Priyakanth R. 2021 3 Virtual labs lab simulation

Njoki P.N. 2020 6 remote instruction Remote teaching

Molise H., Dube B. 2020 3 Emergency online 
teaching

WhatsApp group

Cullinan J., Flannery D., Harold J.,  
Lyons S., Palcic D.

2021 5 higher education internet 
connectivity

Akcil U., Bastas M. 2021 6 digital citizenship higher education

Eberle J., Hobrecht J. 2021 4 online teaching disruption

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5.3 Learning processes

During the coronavirus crisis, education may have benefited from better and more 
digital education solutions; hence, it is essential to consider what role digital technology 
should play in the future of education [29]. Governments and educational institutions 
have been using distant learning systems to promote online instruction and distribution 
of learning materials, including delivering content, supporting teachers, offering guid-
ance to families, and managing connectivity issues [30]. However, there is a risk that 
a new sort of digital gap may emerge since students will require computers, tablets, 
or phones and an internet connection to take advantage of online coursework [18].  
According to Mok et al [31], due to the change to online learning, instructors and 
students now have access to a digital learning environment. The emergence of digi-
tal learning platforms gives students an easy way out during the pandemic who have 
access to digital devices and Internet connectivity. Furthermore, online learning has 
enhanced competency among youngsters and made them more skilled in “Word Docs, 
PPTs, and Excel sheets,” claim researchers who believe online learning may improve 
student competency. Assignments put students’ learning to the test; thus, professors 
encourage them to submit their work in various formats depending on the subject’s 
requirements [32]. Table 4 illustrates the information of authors, segmentations, set-
tings, and citations of the record included for the current study.

Table 4. Records illustrated in digital learning process

Authors Year Cited By Segment Settings

d’Orville H. 2020 23 Resilience international 
collaboration

Mok K.H., Xiong W., Bin Aedy Rahman H.N. 2021 7 higher 
education

university leaders 
and instructors

Kessler A., Barnes S., Rajagopal K., Rankin 
J., Pouchak L., Silis M., Esser W.

2020 9 remote 
online 
offerings

organizational 
structure

Pokhrel S., Chhetri R. 2021 95 Education 
system

learning spaces

Bond C.E., Cawood A.J. 2021 7 3D spatial 
thinking 
skills

geoscience field 
skills

Khan M.A. 2021 3 e-learning virtual assessment

Shehzadi S., Nisar Q.A., Hussain M.S., 
Basheer M.F., Hameed W.U., Chaudhry N.I.

2021 21  information and communication 
technology (ICT)

However, due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, the learning process is now mostly reli-
ant on digital learning procedures, and students returning to school carry more excel-
lent knowledge and abilities with them. They are now heavily involved in the process of 
technological adaption [33]. According to M. A. Khan [34], many startups are already 
active in online education, and the future of education relies heavily on digital learning. 
Teachers and students at all levels of education, from elementary to higher education, 
are familiar with the online learning process. Future education will include face-to-face 

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instruction in classrooms and online educational institutes as an essential component 
of the education system [35]. Moreover, students’ self-regulation is an essential aspect 
of their learning processes. As a result of digital learning, students can identify compo-
nents of student support applicable not just in times of crisis but also in establishing a 
strong learning culture.

6 Conclusion

During the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the current study’s goal was to exam-
ine the challenges, capabilities, and resilience of digital learning processes. For the 
inclusion and exclusion of records from the Scopus database, we used the PRISMA 
statement. Final records were chosen using specific selection criteria that followed the 
components of the PRISMA statement. VOSViewer also utilized the data to ensure that 
the authors’ keywords and software selections were the same. The author’s conclusions 
were comparable, and the study also determined the key terms occurrence relevance 
score. Furthermore, the literature classification is based on the content analysis and 
occurrence of the data. The three primary streams are recognized from the literature, 
and the discussion is based on the study findings.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic tests countries’ ability to continue education 
operations. Initially, it appeared difficult to continue education procedures owing to a 
lack of digital resources, skills, and infrastructure [36]. The digital startups responded 
quickly to the issue and provided many materials in a short period to help students 
advance their education activities online from home. Students and teachers have to 
understand the limits of digital platforms to understand how to use digital resources 
effectively [37]. The requirement to switch to an online form right once presents a 
variety of difficulties for school authorities, instructors, and students. One of the obsta-
cles school administrators encountered due to the COVID-19 epidemic was managing 
logistical difficulties, such as the interplay between the school’s uniform norms and the 
independent arrangements of teachers and students [38]. Despite the numerous prob-
lems digital learning presents, students and instructors are adopting it as the pandemic 
progresses. Many digital platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, WebEx, and Micro-
soft Teams, have been developed to help students and instructors improve their digital 
capabilities worldwide

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Paper—The Capabilities, Challenges, and Resilience of Digital Learning as a Tool for Education During…

8 Authors

Muhammad Yasir, Department of Management Sciences and Commerce, Bacha 
Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan.

Abrar Ullah, Department of Management Sciences, University of Swabi, Anbar, 
Pakistan. E-mail: abrar.ullah@uoswabi.edu.pk

Muhammad Siddique, Department of Commerce, University of the Punjab, 
Gujranwala Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.

Zeeshan Hamid, Department of Management Sciences, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali 
Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Islamabad, Pakistan. E-mail: 
zeeshan.hamid83@gmail.com

Nohman Khan, UNIKL Business School, University of Kuala Lumpur, Kuala 
Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: nohman.khan@s.unikl.edu.my

Article submitted 2022-03-16. Resubmitted 2022-04-20. Final acceptance 2022-04-20. Final version 
published as submitted by the authors.

174 http://www.i-jim.org

mailto:abrar.ullah@uoswabi.edu.pk
mailto:zeeshan.hamid83@gmail.com
mailto:nohman.khan@s.unikl.edu.my