The Role of E-Education in Preserving Educational Outcomes During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of e-education in preserving educational outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic and to explore factors that were associated with these outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2020. A sample of Saudi Electronic University (SEU) students was asked to participate in this study. The study questionnaire is composed of seven main domains; demographics domain, attitudes towards e-education, others influence on e-education perception, contents of education and participation in the online discussion, challenges of e-education, effects of e-education, and finally a comparison between e-education and traditional education. One hundred and thirty eight students participated in this survey. The students reported that e-education is appropriate and they indicated positive views towards using e-education tools in their daily study. The majority of study participants reported low participation in an online discussion. In addition, the participants reported limited ability to overcome e-education challenges. The participants stated that e-education improves their overall performance. The majority of the students reported that e-education is superior to the traditional educational methods and half of the participants reported that they would recommend e-education to others. Based on study results, it is recommended to find motivation and monitoring tools to encourage the students to participate more in the online discussion, which could eventually enhance the achievement of students enrolled in the e-education. In addition, more support is needed to eliminate challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and maintain students’ positive view towards the e-education process.

Keywords: e-education, Distance learning; Educational technology, Covid-19 Pandemic, Saudi Arabia

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-32-15

Publication date: November 30^th 2020