DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION PLATFORMS IN MOROCCO: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as an unprecedented catalyst for digital transformation in education systems worldwide. This study presents a comparative analysis of the adoption and utilization of digital platforms in Moroccan higher education before (2019) and after (2023) the pandemic. Utilizing quantitative data on four key indicators the MASSAR management system, online courses, distance learning programs, and locally developed MOOCs we measure the scale and pace of this acceleration. The findings reveal exponential growth across all metrics, with online courses increasing by 1011% and local MOOCs by 620%. The accessibility factor, calculated as a multiplier of pre-pandemic baseline access, demonstrates a systemic shift towards hybrid and distance learning models. This paper argues that the pandemic compressed years of anticipated digital adoption into a short period, fundamentally altering the pedagogical and administrative landscape. However, this rapid acceleration also underscores persistent challenges related to digital equity, pedagogical adaptation, and sustainable integration. The conclusion reflects on the permanence of these changes and outlines implications for future policy and institutional strategy in a post-pandemic era.