Digital Learning Impact Analysis for Higher Education During COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

COVID-19 spread very rapidly across the world, and as it spread, many educational institutions switched to remote learning. Due to this pandemic, all universities in Saudi Arabia discontin- ued face-to-face education and switched to digital learning. Therefore, this study examined the impact of digital learning on Saudi higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simple random sampling was used to select 200 students who were studying at Saudi Arabian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic to participate in a survey implemented at different Saudi universities. The sample included students from various academic levels. Moreover, the data collected from the survey were analysed and compared to the results in the literature. The study attempted to measure the impact of digital learning on higher education students based on three main factors: learning outcomes, studying remotely, and overall study environment. The study results revealed that a significant number of students agreed that digital learning during COVID-19 positively impacted their learning outcomes. It appears that digital learn- ing influenced students to increase their capabilities in order to maintain their daily activities throughout the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the results confirm that external factors played a main role in increasing student’s overall acceptance of digital learning. The majority of students indicated that digital learning promoted their interest in acquiring knowledge, increased the efficiency with which university resources could be utilized, and improved their effectiveness in the learning process. The study results indicate that higher education authorities can use digital learning to improve the quality and effectiveness of the educational process. As a result, students will have good education experiences in the digital learning environment, along with advanced and stable learning outcomes, during emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limited time frame, and lack of financial support, the study examined the impact of digital learning on Saudi higher education students from just the three main perspectives listed above. Future studies on the same topic can measure the impact further by examining other perspec- tives, which should enhance the sustainability and overall understanding of digital learning. Additionally, it is recommended that future studies measure the impact of digital teaching on faculty members, thus adding an assessment of the comprehensive impact of digital learning at all levels. Furthermore, future studies should collaborate with Student Affairs to identify students’ learning outcomes during the transition to digital learning.