Online learning, in contrast to Face-to-Face (F2F) learning, primarily utilizes internet-based platforms for course delivery. This study investigates the factors that predict students’ academic performance and instructors teaching skills following the shift from F2F learning to online learning mode due to COVID-19 pandemic. Towards this, several recent studies conducted in South African universities are compared with our study conducted at Saudi Arabian higher education institution. The respondents, i.e., students and instructors of South African universities are those who have had experience of both F2F and online learning platforms to evaluate their experiences concerning the COVID-19 pre- and post- lockdown periods respectively. It was observed that the crucial contributing factors affecting students’ and instructors’ performance at different universities include lack of computer knowledge, ethics of care principles concerning students’ engagement and collaboration during online learning, communication transparency, and lack of self-directedness besides the expected challenges of good Wi-Fi access, digital infrastructure, and internet cost.