Distance Learning Students’ Evaluation of E-Learning System in University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study evaluates the experiences and perceptions of students regarding e-learning systems and their preparedness for e-learning. It also investigates the overall perceptions of students regarding e-learning and the factors influencing students’ attitudes towards e-learning. The study uses convenience sampling in which students of the Education & Arts and Business Administration colleges were e-mailed the survey. Of the distributed questionnaires, 500 completed were received and analysed. The findings revealed that the majority of the sampled participants used and benefited from the e-learning system. The results also indicated that students underwent an adequate training program provided by the University on the use of e-learning. Furthermore, the results disclosed that participants reasonably received technical support when they used electronic cards on e-learning web portals. In addition, regression analysis found that only recorded lectures help to compensate for the virtual class, manuals, instructions and guidelines published at web portals, and the easiness of e-learning system provided by the University were statistically significant with the positive attitude towards the e-learning system. The findings provided a preliminary framework for future studies on e-learning systems across Saudi universities. The findings also suggest administrators, researchers, decision makers, and policy makers should properly plan, design, implement, and promote e-learning with a clear vision in Saudi Arabia.