The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' learning at the Institute of Tourism Studies (Malta)

This paper discusses the impact of the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic on the learning experience of students at a VET (Vocational Educational Training) Higher Education Institution in tourism education, namely the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta (EU). A sample of students who attended ITS between March 2020 and January 2022 generated the primary data. This revealed the students' experience in terms of their academic performance (both theoretical knowledge and practical skills), their personal well-being, and their perceived evaluation of the educational institution during the emergency caused by COVID-19. There is particular emphasis on e-learning / remote learning and the challenges of conducting school-related practical work, going on work placement or work in the tourism industry (both part-time and full-time) apart from their studies.

The data analysis revealed that the student experience at ITS was, in many aspects, similar to international trends. This was seen in terms of the impact of the pandemic's restrictions on face-to-face learning and the sudden shift to pure e-learning in all courses. Students confirmed that since ITS had, in previous years, invested in the e-learning infrastructure, e-learning systems in place proved extremely effective when they were needed most. However, not all subjects were considered suitable for delivering online. In fact, students stated that most practical subjects and certain theoretical subjects are better delivered face-to-face. The way forward recommended by students is a blended system where the courses have both a face-to-face component and an online component. The latter not only provides more flexibility in learning, which is especially sought by mature and part-time students, but also reduces time wasted in travel to and from campus.

Although research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education is widely available, little research focused on VET and Higher Education in Tourism, especially through the experience of learners. For this reason, this paper seeks to address this gap in knowledge. The major limitation of this research is that it was conducted in a volatile situation with ever-changing COVID-19 conditions, restrictions and challenges that had a direct impact on education.

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