Abstract
This study is an attempt to investigate the nature of obstacles and challenges encountered at Saudi universities while implementing a blended learning approach. A literature review of blended learning rationale and designs, and the status of web-based education in Saudi higher education are demonstrated. Three main challenges of applying blended learning in Saudi higher education are addressed. One major challenge to be considered in the implementation of blended learning in Saudi universities is the adaptation of this element in the traditional university culture. Finding the right design of blended learning is another challenge that is discussed in detail. Furthermore, the time issue is considered a crucial challenge facing blended learning faculty. Practical recommendations that would facilitate transition to a blended learning university environment are presented. It is hoped that this study will help to provide insight for the faculties and the decision-makers throughout higher education in Saudi Arabia. Although this investigation is specifically related to the implementation of blended learning in the universities of Saudi Arabia, we are confident that the assumptions and recommendations contained herein will be of great value to other populations facing similar challenges.Keywords: blended learning; challenges of blended learning; higher education; Saudi ArabiaDOI: 10.1080/09687761003657614
Highlights
The Saudi Ministry of Higher Education has encouraged the use of information technology (IT) for teaching and learning among its faculties and students
This study demonstrates the status of web-based education in higher education in Saudi Arabia
Adopting blended learning in Saudi higher education requires thorough exploration of successful stories of blended learning implementation to survey the challenges that have been encountered and to identify specific challenges related to the context
Summary
The Saudi Ministry of Higher Education has encouraged the use of information technology (IT) for teaching and learning among its faculties and students. The capacity of universities and colleges in Saudi Arabia is limited compared with the rapid growth of students applying for college education To tackle this problem, the Ministry of Higher Education endeavours to integrate webbased instruction with traditional instruction in universities. The Sloan-C workshop blended learning definition is used because it matches the goal of the e-learning project in the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education. This goal is to adopt blended learning that combines e-learning and traditional learning, in which students do not need 100% class attendance whilst keeping in touch with faculty members through online learning (Al-Ahmari 2009; Abdul Ghafour 2008).
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