Virtual Learning Environments as a Remedy for Universities Against the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to assess the level of interest in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) during and before the pandemic, as well as to identify and compare solutions implemented at selected Polish universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research methodology: The preliminary study was based on bibliometric analysis. The frequency of the VLE notion in the scientific literature was verified. Then a case study was applied. Six universities in Poland were analyzed, which had to make radical organizational changes in a short time, allowing them to conduct classes with students almost exclusively remotely. Findings: The conducted analysis led to the identification of significant similarities in the procedures undertaken and organizational changes of the universities described. Some variation has been observed in terms of the software used that builds the university’s VLE. Research limitations: Only cases of universities in Poland have been described. The choice of the university was intentional. Value: The value of the paper is to draw attention to: on the one hand, the versatility of the VLE, and on the other, certain common features that university VLEs should have in order to ensure the work of the university (and other institutions dealing with education) in a crisis situation.