Impediments to the Use of E-Learning from the Point of View of Faculty Members at Najran University

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the impediments to the use of e-learning from the point of view of faculty members of Najran University. The sample of the study consisted of (342) respondents of the teaching staff at (14) colleges of Najran University. The study made use of the descriptive method. To collect data, a questionnaire of (22) items was designed and checked for validity and reliability, and was distributed to the study participants. The study results revealed impediments of "high degree" regarding these problems: difficulty of applying e-learning to some courses that require real observation; lack of encouraging incentives; lack of experience in using e-learning; lack of students’ response to e-learning; ease of hacking into content and exams; students’ lack of access to computer and internet; poor internet service; and less qualified technicians. The impediments of "medium degree" included insufficient counseling sessions and educational meetings; poor communication with students; lack of planning for simultaneous classes; difficulty of exam scoring and declaring results; paucity of specialists; poor technical support and technical updates. Finally, the impediments of "lower degree" refer to large amount of time and effort required for e-learning, lack of social perception towards it, and difficulty of dealing with it. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found regarding the variables of gender, educational qualification, and experience in the use of blackboard. Based on these results, some appropriate recommendations and implications have been proposed.

Keywords: Impediments, E-Learning, Najran University.