Challenges Faced in Online Education during COVID-19: A Case Study of Taibah University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aimed to find out if distance learning has been smoothly adopted by instructors in Saudi Arabia using e-learning. The study adopts a quantitative approach and uses a descriptive survey design and was carried at computer science and engineering department of Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the study incorporates 200 participants comprising of students and faculty members. Out of 200, 150 were students and 50 were the faculty members. A questionnaire was administered via email and WhatsApp to the study participants. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 23.0. Descriptive statistical analysis using frequencies and bar graph was used to represent the data moreover independent sample t-Test was administered to compare group B and C. The study findings showed that 80% of the faculty members were able to cover the course using distance learning, moreover about teaching online complexity balancing act 50% agreed that the students were the main challenge however 65% reported that it was the lab. This paper illustrates some possible keys for more interactive and effective distance learning in the current crisis.