E-learning capacity in Saudi universities to respond to emergency state caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic: A Case Study

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the state of universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the extent of the ability of e-learning in Saudi universities to continue the educational system considering the COVID-19, and the study sample consisted of (264) members of the teaching staff in different universities who participated in answering the questionnaire submitted to them and those who have already used the e-learning system in their colleges. The study also relied on official reports issued by the universities regarding the continuation of the educational process, which was issued on a weekly basis by the achievements of the various axes, and the researchers prepared a questionnaire in four axes (the system of learning management, and electronic content, the use of classes virtualization, the electronic testing system, the technical support system, and the promotion of e-learning practices). The questionnaire data was analyzed, and the researchers concluded that e-learning achieved very good, and distinguished results that led to the continuation of the educational process in a way that probably exceeded the expectations of officials and faculty members. Also, the study recommends a set of recommendations that Emphasizes the importance of continued support for e-learning, increased training, and generalization his culture char even after the crisis passed.