Challenges of Online Learning Systems during COVID-19 in the UAE universities and its Effect on Business Students’ Academic Performance

Abstract

Purpose: All educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were obliged to remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and use online learning instead. This transformation, accelerated the usage of online learning and has placed more challenges to the higher education institutions in terms of students’ academic performance. This paper empirically investigates the factors that were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to these online learning systems. E-assessment and social challenges are factors that need to be addressed as they had not been extensively studied before the pandemic. Methodology: This study was designed as a quantitative research study using the convenience sampling technique to select students. The data was collected using online surveys distributed amongst undergraduate students in different business colleges around the UAE. The research model was assessed based on an analysis of 202 undergraduates’ students. The data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 26, and Smart PLS Structural Equation Modeling. Findings: The results indicate that teaching challenges negatively affect students' performance, while the factors influencing the greatest impact are the assessment, technical, social, and communication challenges on UAE Business students’ online learning and academic performance during COVID-19 pandemic. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: this study provides a valuable perspective for understanding and explaining the challenges of student online learning and academic performance, as it emphasizes and recommends a reviewing of the teaching methodologies and tools to align with present-day online teaching and learning. Training is essential in order to enhance the academic staff’s qualifications and technical skills during the COVID-19 ongoing situation.