Navigating to the next normal: ICT readiness and online learning in higher education during and after COVID-19 - a case study of Thailand

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced higher education institutions worldwide to rapidly transition to online learning, exposing vulnerabilities and highlighting the critical need for robust ICT infrastructure. This study investigates the readiness of network universities in upper northeastern Thailand to provide education using ICT during the COVID-19 crisis. The research focuses on three main areas: ICT infrastructure, support systems, and student access and engagement. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, involving surveys of administrators, instructors, and students across six universities. The findings reveal that universities have achieved a high level of ICT infrastructure readiness, with comprehensive internet coverage and reliable backup systems. All institutions adopted learning management systems like Moodle and Google Classroom, and established robust support systems, including online libraries and faculty training programs. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, such as internet instability, students’ lack of digital skills, and concerns about online exam integrity. Furthermore, while students generally have positive perceptions of online learning, issues like unstable internet connections and lack of motivation hinder the learning experience. This study contributes new insights into the effectiveness of ICT integration in Thai higher education during the pandemic and highlights areas requiring improvement to enhance the quality and equity of online education.