INVESTIGATING EQUITY IN DISTANCE EDUCATION IN SAUDI ARABIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a sudden shift from face-to-face to distance education at all schools and universities in Saudi Arabia starting March 2020 until now. Many instructors and students were not technically prepared for this abrupt transition as some did not have devices and internet access. Others have Internet connection and even a tablet for each child in the family. This study investigates the issue of equity in accessing online courses by underprivileged students in needy families, orphanages, and remote areas. A sample of teachers and students from different regions in SA was interviewed. The subjects reported that lack of devices/Internet access was solved by: (i) some Governorates donated thousands of tablets to students in their school districts; (ii) charity organizations donated tablets/laptops and financial aid to underprivileged students; (iii) affluent individuals donated laptops to some needy students; (iv) some school teachers collected money to buy tablets for needy students; (v) students who do not have mobile devices and/or Internet go to school and teachers go to school few times a week to teach them face-to-face and help them with homework; (vi) needy college students are allowed to use their college computer laps; (vii) students reported borrowing a smart phone/laptop from a relative or neighbour and/or use relatives and neighbours' Internet; (viii) the Saudi telecom Company offered reduced Internet rates for students. Sample regions, types of underprivileged students and help provided to bridge the distance education divide in Saudi Arabia during Covid-19 will be given in detail.