Effectiveness of using E-learning systems during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: Experiences and perceptions analysis of engineering students

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic has affected most countries across the globe since it was declared in December 2019 and forced most educational institutions to shift from face-to-face learning style to E-learning or distance education. This study aims to analyze and investigate the experiences and perceptions of using Blackboard as a distance learning (online) platform. The study was conducted in one of the top universities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle east. A survey-based study is constructed and distributed among undergraduate students including males, and females in an engineering college. Two hundred thirty-five students participated in this study; males represent (74%) and (26%) for females. Ten phases containing 38 items of advantages and disadvantages are considered in the survey study to understand the advantages, constraints, and difficulties of the Blackboard. Two nonparametric statistical tools of Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis are used for analyzing the survey. The study shows significant results regarding difference perceptions on Blackboard between gender and engineering disciplines. The results of this study can help the educational decision-makers in the ministry of education and universities improve the quality and increase the sustainability of the EL resources. Moreover, the findings reveal that males, females, and engineering disciplines have different perceptions towards the use of virtual learning.

The Impact of Information System Design Quality on E-Learning Systems Performance

“…It combines the TAM, which has been used to evaluate user acceptance of modern technology, and the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM), which has been established to forecast new technology adoption using extrinsic, intrinsic, and monetary effort [41]. A significant number of studies have shed light on various learning processes that are specifically appropriate for a particular field [38].…”

“…because the majority of research in the literature proposes novel E-learning methodologies to improve learning outcomes, it is critical to investigate the effects of students' gender on technical abilities. Gender and theoretical expectations regarding E-learning skills [38].…”

“…All the solutions within the same educational environment are maintained properly based on a successful learning experience [12]. In all forms of online learning, communication between teachers and students is regarded as a significant difficulty that ultimately affects the degree of knowledge [38]. The utilization of digital technologies has the potential to significantly improve the educational process.…”

“…Over the last three decades, e-learning has been gradually in-creasing and spreading in various learning institutions, demonstrating its capability to be used and embedded in teaching courses partially or totally. Virtual learning is un-deniably becoming a primary focus in higher education institutions in the twenty-first century [38]. In reality, the availability and utilization of online learning content in the e-learning portal have become a serious concern for many academic institutions.…”

Towards Independent Students’ Activities, Online Environment and Learning Performance: An Investigation through Synthetic Data and Artificial Neural Networks

“…During the last few years, online education has become more popular and useful worldwide because of the pandemic situation [1,2]. The pandemic has forced most educational institutions to replace face-to-face classes and blended learning forms with fully online education [3]. In such conditions, the crucial role in organizing a high-quality education has been played by the educational software environment with its functional and technical parameters.…”