Teachers and Learners’ Perceptions of E-Learning Implementation in Special Times: Evaluating Relevance and Internationalization Prospects at Saudi Universities

Mohammad Shariq, Kh. Lutfy, Ameen Alahdal and Fahad Ibraheem Abdullah Aldhali
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Mohammad Shariq: Department of English and Translation, College of Sciences and Arts at Methnab, Qassim University, Buridah 52571, Saudi Arabia
Kh. Lutfy: Department of Mathematics, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia
Ameen Alahdal: Department of English and Translation, College of Science and Arts at Uglat Asugour, Qassim University, Buridah 52571, Saudi Arabia
Fahad Ibraheem Abdullah Aldhali: Department of Quranic Studies, College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, Qassim University, Buridah 52571, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: The recent abrupt shift to a total e-learning modality has been a fresh yet daunting experience for educational institutions due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has also raised the questions of relevance of educational modalities given the special times we are living in, as well as the happy possibility of universities gearing up for internationalization to prepare students for online learning. Before implementing these changes, however, in-depth study of the opinions and experiences of teachers and students at Saudi universities, among other parameters, is imperative. With this focus, the current study employs a mixed-methods research design from two universities in Saudi Arabia, namely Qassim University (QU) and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU). A purposive sample of 22 teachers and 54 students were the respondents, who were administered a questionnaire and interviewed at a later stage. Results showed that both teachers and students find the online teaching–learning experience challenging due to teacher-related, student-related and technology-related factors. The teachers rate themselves as being moderately competent in the use of technology tools for online learning, while students assess themselves as competent. Initiatives are offered by both students and teachers to improve the transition of universities to online education as well as to promote the quality of universities towards internationalization, particularly with living in the midst of a health crisis. The study has implications for curriculum implementers and designers committed to educational revolution. The outcomes of this proposed research can be the basis for relevance and internationalization initiatives of the selected universities in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: e-learning; internationalization; perceptions; live-experiences; learning preferences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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