E-Learning After the Pandemic from the Perspective of Digital Skills Teachers

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis and the coincidental shift in public education to distance education was a starting point from which all educational institutions, especially those in developing countries, must benefit in terms of e-learning development. The need to effectively explore the use of e-learning after returning to school (face-to-face) has been increasing. Thus, we investigated the use of e-learning after the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the case of Saudi Arabia. The findings of this case study can be applicable and beneficial to other countries. By applying a qualitative research design, 15 Saudi digital skills teachers were invited to voluntarily participate in this study, and an open-question survey was conducted electronically using the snowball technique and a focus group. The teachers’ reflections on this experience have implications for their professional development and are an opening for using educational technologies and utilizing students’ digital skills in education. The study shows that the teachers continued using e-learning in their daily teaching after the pandemic. The three most important theme determinants in this study were the teachers’ use of e-learning for blended learning, communication, and professional development, in this order. Moreover, the teachers believed that they and their students had acquired and developed many skills as a result of using online learning. Finally, the study implications and suggestions are highlighted in this article.