Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Research Articles

Job embeddedness and its connection with person-organization fit among Saudi Arabian employees

Job embeddedness and person-organization fit are two constructs that reflect employees’ attachment toward their organizations. While job embeddedness enhances employees’ affection, person-organization fit involves the value convergence with the organization. Therefore, the two constructs facilitate continuance in employment. The study attempted to identify the relationship between job embeddedness, person-organization fit, and human capital among the Saudi workforce. Data for the study were collected from 190 full-time employees employed in various organizations in Saudi Arabia. Convenient sampling was used to collect data. The respondents belong to different demographic categories. The data were analyzed using SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. Three hypotheses were formulated for the study to denote the relationships between the variables. For all the hypotheses formulated in the study, t-values (0.71, 0.88, and 0.84) showed a five percent level of significance. The research results thus indicated a significant positive relationship between job embeddedness, person-organization fit, and human capital. The relationship between the constructs and demographic variables was also examined. The findings are significant as the identified constructs help dealing with turnover intention, which is a bane for any organization. Therefore, the results could be used to identify retention strategies. AcknowledgmentsThis publication was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, under the Specialized Research Grant program with Grant No- 2020/02/17318.

Using quizlet to teach vocabulary

This study concerns with the major objective of foreign language teaching: vocabulary acquisition. The modern trends of teaching and the vast advance of technology enable teachers to use online and mobile applications in a very wide range. The real effect of using such a method need to be measured. Accordingly, this experimental-design study investigated the effect of Quizlet, a rapidly growing application with an online and mobile phone version, on vocabulary acquisition. Two groups of low-level EFL learners at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia (N = 42) participated in the study. Each group underwent a pretest and a posttest to assess their acquisition of the assigned vocabulary lessons that were extracted from their syllabus. After using Quizlet for vocabulary learning for a month, the experimental group participants show a significant improvement in vocabulary posttest. Accordingly, the study acknowledges and recommends using the application at university level.

Effect of Chest Resistance and Expansion Exercises on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Lung Function, and Thoracic Excursion in Children with a Post-Operative Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Background. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening condition with long-term complications including respiratory tract infections, respiratory muscle weakness, and abnormal lung functions. This study was designed to ascertain the effects of chest resistance and chest expansion exercises on respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and chest mobility in children with post-operative CDH. Methods. This randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in the outpatient physiotherapy clinic at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. Thirty-two children with CDH aged 10–14 years between May 2020 and February 2021 were randomly allocated to the study group (n = 16) and the control group (n = 16). The control group underwent a usual chest physiotherapy program; however, the study group underwent a 12-week chest resistance exercise combined with chest expansion exercise in addition to usual chest physiotherapy, with three sessions per week. Respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and thoracic excursion were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Results. Using the 2 × 2 repeated ANOVA, significant time × group interactions were detected in favor of the study group, FVC (F = 4.82, 95% CI = −15.6 to −0.97, p = 0.005, and η2 = 0.16), FEV1 (F = 4.54, 95% CI = −11.99 to −2.8, p ˂ 0.001, and η2 = 0.14), PImax (F = 5.12, 95% CI = −15.71 to −5.3, p ˂ 0.001, and η2 = 0.15), and thoracic excursion (F = 4.41, 95% CI = −2.04 to −0.16, p = 0.036, and η2 = 0.17). Conclusions. Concurrent chest resistance and expansion exercises may improve respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and thoracic excursion in children with post-operative CDH. The study findings suggest that concurrent chest and chest expansion exercises be part of an appropriate pulmonary rehabilitation program in children with a history of CDH.

An efficient human resource management system model using web-based hybrid technique

The proliferation of international business activities drives organizations to expand their operations into new areas and propels human resource management (HRM) to ensure hiring and retaining competent personnel. Consequently, firms have been struggling to place qualified people in relevant roles and provide adequate training. This study utilized information technology to solve these challenges using a web-based system to interconnect the processes, receive the data from the job applicants via a web-based interface, and connect them with suitable employment. Firstly, the proposed model presented a hybrid technique of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Cloud Web-based Human Resource Management System (CLWHRMS) by recognizing distinct features and forecasts the candidate’s potential under various classification tasks. For this, the study used a set of various software tools for web pages and database designing, including for the alteration of images. The hybrid model was executed using real-time data of 250 resumes, which were collected through an online database to validate the overall performance of the developed web-based system in terms of its accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Though the specificity was the same with all the techniques, the results illustrated CNN-LSTM technique was 91% accurate and 90% sensitive compared to the traditional methods. This CNN-LSTM model automatically estimates the suitability of a job candidate and projects his/her workability contributing to Saudi Arabian firms to ease and enhance their recruitment process. AcknowledgmentThis project was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia under the Specialized Research Grant program with Grant No-2021/02/18747.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-CANDIDAL ACTIVITY OF CORIANDRUM SATIVUM SEED EXTRACTS AGAINST CANDIDA ALBICANS AND CANDIDA TROPICALIS

Background: Candidiasis in not uncommon among hospitalized patients. The fungal virulence and antifungal drug resistance make the host-parasite interactions complicated. The threat of azole drug resistance along with scarcity of antifungal therapies prompted the necessity of novel drug development from various natural sources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticandidal activity of Coriandrum sativum seed extracts against Candida albicans and Candida tropilcalis. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia from July 20, 2021 to September 26, 2021. The study analyzed anti-inflammatory assays via inhibition of albumin denaturation and hemolysis inhibition and anticandidal activity of the extract against Candida albicans and Candida tropilcalis by well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was also determined against both the fungi. Results: Anti-inflammatory activity of Coriandrum sativum methanolic seed extracts were evaluated at five different concentrations from 100 µg to 1000 µg. The highest concentration showed 55.31±0.77% of inhibition of albumin denaturation, whereas the aspirin, the standard used, showed 80.33±0.32%. Coriandrum sativum seed extracts at 250 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml and 1000 mg/ml produced zones of growth inhibition with diameters 12.66±0.57, 17.66±0.57 and 24.33±1 mm against Candida albicans, and 10.33±0.57, 16.66±0.57 and 21.66±0.57 mm against Candida tropicalis. The MICs of the Coriandrum sativum seed extracts against Candida albicans was 1.95 mg and Candida tropicalis was 3.9 mg. Conclusion: Phytochemical compounds in methanolic seed extracts of Coriandrum sativum showed significant anticandidal activity against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis with highest zone of inhibition at 1000 µg extract concentration. The lower MICs of Coriandrum sativum seed extracts against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were also significant. Considering all these findings along with the antioxidant activities, it could be suggested that Coriandrum sativum seed extracts can further be investigated for development of novel anticandidal drugs.

Evaluating the Design of Mathematics Courses Available on the Blackboard Platform at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University According to Quality Matters Standards

Considering COVID-19 pandemic, interest in e-learning has increased at the global level. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the quality of designing online mathematics courses according to quality matters (QM) standards at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The study relied on a qualitative mixed explanatory sequential research design for data collection and analysis. A questionnaire based on the quality matters rubric (QMR) sixth edition was used to collect quantitative data from 31 mathematics faculty members and 75 university students studying mathematics courses online. To collect qualitative data, interviews were held with 10 of the participants. Intentionally based on the responses given in the questionnaire. SPSS 24.0 software was used to analyze quantitative data. The results indicated a high percentage of achievement of QM standards in mathematics courses from the point of view of the faculty members and achieved to a moderate degree from the students’ point of view. Moreover, the results indicated that there are statistically significant differences (α<0.05) between the estimates of faculty members and students in favor of faculty members in favor of faculty members. The results also revealed that there were statistically significant differences (α<0.05) between the students’ estimates of the academic achievement variable in favor of the outstanding students, while the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences (α<0.05) attributed to the level of computer skills variable. The results of the interviews revealed the existence of some suggested improvements on the Blackboard platform to suit mathematics courses and learning them online, and some obstacles faced students during the online learning period were identified. The study presented many recommendations and research proposals as future work.

Sources and level of stress among college students: a study conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Stress is inevitable. Mild level of stress is needed for better performance among individuals. Nursing and medical undergraduates experience high levels of pressure during their college when compared to students in other arts and science specialties. Numerous factors of stress among applied medical students may be theoretical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental. The objective of this study was to assess sources and level of stress by college of applied medical undergraduates.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among the female college of applied medical sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul-Aziz university, Wadi Al Dawasir, Saudi Arabia. A study sample of 72 female students of nursing and medical lab sciences were selected using random convenient sampling technique. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire related to sources of stress distributed among the students. Results: The results revealed that 11 (15%) of students had mild level of stress, 51 (56%) of them had moderate and 21 (29%) of them had severe level of stress. Intrapersonal stressors with the mean value of 2.09 (sometimes), interpersonal stressors mean value is 2.0 (sometimes), environmental stressors mean value is 1.4 (never), and academic stressors mean value is 2.5 (often) disturbing stressors for the students.Conclusions: The university should maintain conducive academic environment for better learning, with the focus on the students’ personal and social needs. The administrators should provide adequate resources such as books, computers to do assignments. Nursing college administrators need to take effort to narrow the gap between student’s opportunities, goals, and values to be integrated with that of the university.

Learning Disability: Working Hard, yet Achieving Low (A Case Study of At-Risk EFL Learners)

EFL Learning is considered an enriching and rewarding experience for most ‘normal’ learners. However, for learners with neurological differences/learning disabled, it can be a stressful and unpleasant experience. Students with learning disabilities (SLD) are often mistaken for slow, behind, incapable, and failures as there is a lack of awareness among teachers about the differences between learning Difficulties and Disabilities. Therefore, the present study aims to discuss ways to identify learners with Learning disabilities and provide multi-tiered support and Response to Intervention (RTI) to minimize their disability and boost their confidence. The study adopted a One-shot Case Study Research Design which is a subtype of experimental research design. The dependent group comprised seven students pursuing level one at the Department of English, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The results revealed that the Learners had issues with word comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and passage comprehension. Based on the interpretation of the results, it is concluded that considerably slowing the pace of instruction, providing multi-tiered support, constant review, and incorporating multisensory support would accelerate learning to a great extent.

Undergraduate health sciences students’ response regarding COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: an observational study

ABSTRACT Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a major health problem, and its influences may persist with emerging viral variants. The current work was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction of health sciences students (HSS) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February 2021 to 20 March 2021. Participants were undergraduate HSS at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire has been generated and distributed via online form. The questionnaire used was based on previous studies and included demographic information and knowledge, attitudes, perception, and learning satisfaction related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed to eligible students, the current study included a total of 330 HSS (82.5% response rate) from colleges of medicine (25.5%), dentistry (11.8%), pharmacy (33.6%), and Applied Medical Sciences (29.1%) of participants. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction attained by students were 5.63 ± 0.65 out of 6, 4.22 ± 1.01 out of 5, and 11.28 ± 2.9 out of 19, respectively. Results show an association between the knowledge score of students and their age-group and specialty-college. Students with chronic diseases reported lower attitude scores and rate of COVID-19 vaccine-willingness. Younger HSS had a higher learning satisfaction score than the older participants. Conclusion Overall, participants show high knowledge level and positive attitude toward COVID-19 but fair learning satisfaction during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to improve the learning satisfaction and attitude of HSS in the future.

Technological Affordances and Teaching in EFL Mixed-ability Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the widespread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, the educational authorities issued firm directions to convert to virtual classes exploiting the available Learning Management System (LMS). However, during the academic year 2020-2021, the researchers observed that writing EFL instructors at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), Saudi Arabia, faced diverse challenges due to having online mixed-ability classes, i.e. those classes where students have varying levels of readiness, motivation, and academic caliper. Though many previous studies explored the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning practices, very few studies addressed the way technological affordances pose challenges for instructors teaching mixed-ability classes. Therefore, the present study, using mixed quantitative and qualitative research methods, sought to explore challenges that evolved due to the technological affordances of LMS to spot the persistent problems and to offer relevant solutions for upgrading, writing teaching and learning practices. The basic research design relied on an online questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews. Findings showed that differentiated instruction proved to be the most successful strategy for teaching writing in mixed-ability online classes as it allowed the adaptation of materials, teaching and learning practices, and assessment tools to motivate low-achievers. In addition, the collaborative tools offered by the Blackboard such as the White Board, Discussion Board, Blogs, and Breakout Groups helped to meet the preferences of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Finally, further studies are recommended to explore the affordances of educational technologies regularly to identify potential benefits and limitations for offering the best teaching and learning practices.

Stress Misassignment in the Pronunciation of English by Arabic-speaking Learners: Erratic Practice or Crosslinguistic Influence?

The role of L1 interference in English stress assignment produced by Arabic-speaking EFL learners has received little research attention. This study aims to investigate whether faulty stress assignment by Arab learners is arbitrary or systematic. It also attempts to discover a linkage, if any, between Arabic phonotactic rules of stress placement and stress misplacement in English by Saudi learners. 120 learners from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University were randomly chosen from 3 different levels of English proficiency (lower-intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced); they were asked to pronounce 72 stimulus words that covered all morpho-syllabic word structures that the learners often mispronounced. The recordings were analysed using WASP spectrogram software and also by two independent raters. Results strongly indicated that crosslinguistic influence may have caused the learners to consistently a) place the stress on a specific syllable in a word even when this word has multiple stress assignments with a difference in meaning, b) stress the second item in a compound noun instead of the first, c) place the stress on the penultimate syllable of most polysyllabic words, d) place the stress on the second syllable of contracted negative auxiliary verbs , and e) misplace stress irrespective of their level of English proficiency..

Pattern of traumatic occupational injuries in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the labor market is thriving, employing a large workforce in occupations that carry a high risk for traumatic injuries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. These jobs usually involve physical exertion, power tools, high-voltage electricity, working at heights, and exposure to bad weather conditions that could potentially lead to injury. This study aimed to determine patterns of traumatic occupational injuries in Riyadh, KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid Hospital and Prince Sultan Centre for Healthcare, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, and the Al-Kharj Military Industries Corporation Hospital in Al-Kharj City in the KSA between July 2021 and 2022. Descriptive analysis elucidated the type, severity, and patterns of management of non-fatal traumatic occupational injuries. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Weibull model for length of hospital stay adjusted for age, gender, nationality, cause for injury, and injury severity scale (ISS) scores were constructed. A total of 73 patients with a mean age of 33.8 ± 14.1 years were included in the study. The most common cause of occupational injury was falling from height (87.7%). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR: 4 - 7), with no mortalities. In the adjusted survival model, compared to migrants, Saudi nationals had a 45% lower median hospital stay (-62 to - 21), P < 0.01, and every 1-point increase in ISS was associated with a 5% increase in median length of hospital stay (CI: 3 - 7, P < 0.01). Being a Saudi national and having lower ISS scores were associated with shorter durations of hospital stay. Our findings indicate the need for improved occupational safety measures, especially among migrant, foreign-born, and ethnic minority workers.

Students' Perceptions of their Dental Curriculum and Education.

Objective:To evaluate the satisfaction of dental students toward their dental curriculum and education at dental colleges in the central region of Saudi Arabia.Methods:Two forms of the questionnaire were established, a paper version and an electronic internet-based survey (Google online form). Paper versions were distributed to interns graduated from universities in Riyadh. The electronic versions were used to obtain responses from students at dental colleges and universities outside of Riyadh, such as Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) and Majmaah University, by emailing the links to the participants who were dental interns that had graduated in the 2018/2019 academic year.Results:A total of 388 interns answered the questionnaire. Overall, 48.4% of the interns were highly satisfied with the Operative Department while regarding Orthodontic Department 16.9% were satisfied while 11.2% were highly satisfied. Regarding the non-clinical satisfaction score, the interns were mostly unsatisfied with their research skills (15.5%). Comparing the interns’ satisfaction at different institutions, there was a statistically significant difference in the clinical satisfaction score (P ≤0.01), but there was no difference in the non-clinical satisfaction score (P > 0.05).Conclusion:Dental students need a greater focus and exposure to research skills during their dental school studies. To improve dental students’ level of clinical satisfaction, it is more important for them to have early exposure to comprehensive clinical training than specialty-based clinical training.

The Role of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Developing the Students' Academic Skills According to the Saudi Arabia Kingdom's Vision 2030

Universities are responsible for developing students' personalities by providing them with new experiences, whether through study materials, dialogue, discussion, or scientific research teams. This research focused on academic skills from a new integrative perspective. It highlighted the weakness of the required skills for Saudi university students. Moreover, it determined the role of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in developing academic skills among university students considering the Saudi Arabia Kingdom's vision 2030. It used the descriptive-analytical method to achieve its purpose. The findings of the study showed that Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University had established learning and creative skills as academic skills among students. There were no statistically significant differences in developing all their academic skills according to the difference in the gender variable. However, there were statistically significant differences at the significance level (0.05≥∝) in the research sample opinions according to the faculty variable and academic level. Therefore, the research recommends adopting awareness programs about the importance of educational skills among university students. Furthermore, it emphasizes intensifying university courses with topics that urge students to pay attention to self-learning skills.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 20 August 2021 / Accepted: 18 October 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

The Arabic Subtitles And the Language Acquisition Of Non-Native Learners Of Arabic In The Saudi Universities/ الترجمة المرئية وأثرها على اكتساب اللغة العربية للناطقين بغيرها في الجامعات السعودية

Despite the increasing interest in investigating the influence of subtitles on the acquisition of second languages, including English, French, and Spanish, very little has been done in Arabic. This phenomenon may be attributed to the lack of the use of technological applications in teaching Arabic. So far, different universities have adopted traditional methods in teaching Arabic as a second language. In the face of this limitation, this study explores the impact of Netflix subtitles on improving the language acquisition of Arabic by non-native speakers of Arabic in Saudi universities. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for the analysis of the data set in question. The subject of the study, 68 participants from three Saudi universities: Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Taibah University, and Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. The participants are in different disciplines, including Islamic Jurisprudence (Shariah), Arabic studies, engineering, and English. They also come from different countries, including Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results indicate that subtitles can be usefully used to improve Arabic linguistic performance and acquisition by non-native speakers. Subtitles were helpful for the learners of Arabic in both the acquisition of standard and colloquial forms of the language. Saudi universities and other educational institutions are thus recommended to integrate subtitling and language technologies in teaching Arabic as a second language.

A study of brand fidelity: Its contribution and impact on the Saudi market

The paradigm shift caused by disruption of traditional business models and innovation is among some factors which have propelled marketers forward-thinking in emphasizing brand fidelity. It is a novel idea and an innovative approach to understanding the impact of consumers while they demonstrate love and commitment through engagement, subconsciously or otherwise, with respect to cognition and behavior. The current study tested the components/factors of brand fidelity among Saudi consumers. The primary data for the study were collected based on the survey instrument among Saudi consumers. Overall, 446 responses were used to analyze the results. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) coupled with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using IBM SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the data. All the factors of brand fidelity, namely “accommodation/price”, “accommodation/performance”, “cognitive interdependence”, and “derogation of alternatives”, hold valid in the Saudi context with exploratory factor analysis with a factor loading of each factor above the threshold value of 0.50, and with confirmatory factor analysis with a threshold value of more than or equal to 0.60 for all the factor loadings. The result thus obtained suggests that the brand fidelity scale is valid in the Saudi context. Saudi consumers were found to be highly loyal to their favorite brands. The findings of the study will provide inputs to the companies operating in the Saudi market for their brand-related strategy formulation. Moreover, the paper indicates undermining the power of brand fidelity in improving the bottom line through experience management. AcknowledgmentThis paper was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, under the Specialized Research Grant program with Grant No. 2020/02/17342.

A Study of the Linguistic Problems Faced by Saudi English Language Students at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) when Translating from Arabic into English

The aim of this study is to investigate the linguistic problems confronted by Saudi students majoring in English language and literature at Prince Sattam Bim Abdulaziz University (PSAU) when they translate from Arabic into English. The study adopted the quantitative approach in data collection. Students written assignments were linguistically analyzed. Results revealed that the students suffer from a variety of grammatical problems that hinder them from translating Arabic into English correctly. The students also have difficulty with vocabulary. They could not find the most suitable English equivalent of Arabic words that suits the context. This study provides some recommendations related to students’ admission to the English department, the syllabus, teaching methodology, and assessment.

Priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education toward online teaching and learning: Thinking beyond the COVID-19 experience

The purpose of this study is to suggest priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education (IHE) toward online teaching and learning beyond the COVID-19 experience. This research applied the qualitative research method. Data collection sources included both a systematic literature review relating to how COVID-19 informed online distance learning across the globe and an analysis of circulars germane to the pandemic that were issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Saudi Arabia and by Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU). Guided by those two types of data, that is, review of the literature in general and the MOE and PSAU circulars in particular, and also illuminated by their own experiences of online teaching during the lockdown, the researchers were able to put forward those priorities. For the systematic review of the literature, five steps were performed: (1) identifying search terms and developing and applying a search strategy; (2) screening the obtained research papers, removing duplicates and papers outside the focal point, and establishing inclusion/exclusion criteria; (3) assessing the research papers against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; (4) data extraction; and (5) data synthesis. Although this article does not suggest traditional IHE should go entirely digital, it highlights the need for IHE to ensure access to online learning content, develop more partnerships with community, develop online self-study skills, get students to shift from passive to active learning, and a need to reconsider current e-assessment. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to provide additional support for faculty members, how university buildings should be gradually reopened, controlling factors influencing online learning outcomes, and addressing the issue of dropouts in IHE. Finally, the study underlines the need to add further emphasis to the importance of integrating blended learning in the university curriculum and navigating toward developing global distance learning programs.

E-teaching Skills among Faculty Members of Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT This research aimed at identifying the level of practice of electronic teaching skills among the faculty members of PSAU and detecting the effects of the following research variables: Teaching Load, Students Number, and Teaching Experience, through surveying (153) faculty member in PSAU in 2020. The results showed that the faculty members agreed that e-teaching skills are highly practiced in technology, design, and management fields in PSAU. The results also proved that there were no statistically significant differences to (design and management fields, and overall skill) according to the ‘Teaching Load’ variable. There were also statistically significant differences to (the technology field) according to the ‘Teaching Load’ variable in favor of those with ‘lighter teaching load with administrative duties’. However, there were no statistically significant differences to (design and management fields, and overall skills) according to the ‘Student Number’ variable.

Students’ Perspectives toward Virtual Classes Effectiveness on EFL Learners’ Communication Skills at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

The study explores students’ perspectives towards virtual classes and the impact of such classes on EFL learners’ communication skills. Such study is valuable due to the lack of research works that investigate EFL students’ attitudes towards the effectiveness of such classes. Also, the findings can substantially improve the Saudi virtual education. Regarding the questions of the study, it answers two main questions: What are EFL learners’ attitudes towards virtual classes? What is the impact of virtual classes on EFL learners’ communication skills from students’ perspectives? To achieve the objectives of this study, a questionnaire was administered to 50 EFL students of levels seven and eight in English Department at the College of Sciences and Humanities at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. The findings indicated that students had positive attitudes toward virtual classrooms. Such classes could enhance their communication, and improve their technical and self-learning skills. Based on these results, some recommendations were suggested that could be taken into consideration in future studies. First, further studies should be done to investigate the impact of virtual classes on other science classes such as Chemistry and Medicine in the COVID- 19 period. Second, such study should be conducted with a different sample of students (male). Finally, the same research can be applied to faculty members to explore their attitudes toward virtual education and its effect on communication skills.