Abstract
At present, the main mission of Moroccan universities is the development of scientific research and innovation by all the means at their disposal. For Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, the development of scientific research is one of the main concerns of the university. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges were enormous because of the constraints imposed by the situation. However, SMBAU was called upon to maintain its leading position at the national level by improving the different indicators associated to scientific research. The authors aim in this chapter to describe, first, the general context of scientific research and innovation in Morocco. They will then present the different measures taken at the national level and at the level of SMBAU in order to support the university research and the pedagogical continuity during the pandemic. They will finally present the different results achieved at SMBAU through the data collected by the university scientific research division.
TopBackground (Literature Review)
To survive, universities around the world must adapt to new social norms and rules. Today, they are facing the challenges of transforming communication and interpersonal relationships through the use of digital technology, and the challenges of developing teaching methods adapted to a diverse student population (Bates, 2019). The introduction of digital technology in teaching methods is at the heart of the debate on universities. Indeed, digital technology represents “an educational renewal based on boldness, openness to the world and adaptation to the speed of change” (Hussherr et Hussherr, 2017). This debate on the contributions and constraints of digital technology is necessary in order to meet the challenges facing university education. The use of technology should not simply support traditional practices, but should lead to a change in pedagogical practices (Forget-Dubois, 2020). Introduction of digital technology in higher education is an issue in itself (Bernatchez, J. & Alexandre, M. 2021). Their use does indeed increase the possibility of learning, provided that feedback is optimized and that professors are trained to use these technolgies in a proper maner. However, the advent of the Covid 19 health crisis pushed universities to urgently adopt distance learning modes.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Strategies: refers to a complex web of thoughts, ideas, insights, experiences, goals, expertise, memories, perceptions, and expectations that provides general guidance for specific actions in pursuit of particular ends. it is the bridge between policy or high-order goals on the one hand and tactics or concrete actions on the other.
SMBAU: Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University is one the biggest universities in Morocco with more than 100 000 students, it is located in the region of Fez- Meknes.
Covid19 challenges: the situations universities were faced with during the pandemic of the covid 19.
Policies: All the options taken collectively or individually by decision-makers in their fields of authority.
University research: all research conducted by professors, researchers or students within the institutional context of a university, whose aim is to "advance" knowledge.