An exploration of applicability of social constructivism approach in distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic; the case study of Hail University (UOH)

Abstract

PurposeThe study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions of students, teachers and management about the distance learning and student learning at University of Hail (UOH) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify whether student learning needs are being addressed in (UOH). This is facilitated through the use of interaction of distance learner with their peer groups, faculty members and assistants using different modes of interactions such as computers, internets such as chats and yahoo groups and mobile phones. These features of UOH approach toward learning are among the constructivist approach.Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was used to attain the objectives of this study. Looking into the nature, aim and objectives of the research study, semi-structured interviews were suitable and case studies, in total 11 interviews were conducted; five interviews were conducted from the students, three from the faculty members and three from the university administration. An interview guide was developed to conduct the interviews on the basis of themes such as training and development, performance management and firm performance. The data analysis suggests that UOH adopts quite a lot of main features of social constructivist approach of learning and teaching. This study finds that UOH adopts student-centered approach and provides the students opportunities to learn from real-life scenarios through case studies and projects.FindingsThis study has certain important theoretical contributions and implications for policy makers and managers; this study contributes to the distance learning education literature by exploring and understanding the perceptions of students, faculty members and management about the learning at UOH. The results of this study may be used by teachers and other instructional designers to improve materials for emergency distance learning.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contains certain limitations. One key limitation is the limited number of interviews originating from lack of time and problems in accessing the university. Hence, more interviews would have provided a more detailed picture of the learning at UOH. Another limitation is the context based nature of this study, not allowing generalization of the results. Nevertheless, generalizations were not amongst the purposes of this study and hence were never intended. Due to this limitation findings can be argued as applicable and meaningful to a certain degree as determined by other researchers and practitioners.Originality/valueThis research also focuses on the social constructivist approach to distance learning by examining and analyzing how learning at UOH appears to align with the constructivist approach's learning values.

The emergence of digital learning in higher education: a lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Private institutions, on the other hand, can utilize online teaching methodologies more successfully since their students come from affluent families and can buy the necessary collaborative learning and assessment equipment and software. Around 73% of students in Bangladesh's public universities come from relatively impoverished homes and are enrolled purely on scholarships (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022). Most of them scrape by on private tutoring, which has come to a halt.…”

“…Economic forces impact our social life. During the COVID-19, the disadvantaged or low-income society and the middle classes had financial hardships (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022). Earnings are lost in different amounts depending on the type of employment or vocation (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022).…”

“…During the COVID-19, the disadvantaged or low-income society and the middle classes had financial hardships (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022). Earnings are lost in different amounts depending on the type of employment or vocation (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022). This vulnerable part of society employs a substantial portion of its workforce in several industrial and service businesses, including ready-to-wear (Mooko, 2022).…”

“…Most significantly, the education sector's regular activities were affected by rapid diffusion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Abdullah Alkhabra, 2022). As a result, all educational institutions were shut down and governments in the affected nations quickly took control of all physical meetings and conferences.…”