How is e-Learning Impacting Saudi Arabia?
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Electronic learning better known as ‘e-Learning’ has been revolutionizing the way education is being imparted to thousands of aspirants, all over the globe. e-Learning in Saudi Arabia has reached newer heights, leveraged the potential of electronic Learning in the last few years and continues to exponentially do so.
The number of internet users in Saudi Arabia increased by 4.3 million (+15%) between 2019 and 2020
e-Learning applications are growing multi-fold in all facets of life, in Saudi Arabia and looking at the current times, it is the most logical, beneficial, and secure medium of education. e-Learning is all about imparting quality education through electronic media, not limiting to the boundaries of the physical classroom. Today’s generation is keen to get educated through this novel mechanism of e-Learning, also called as online learning, computerized learning, distant education, or electronic education.
In the last two decades, higher education in Saudi Arabia has been given prime importance. This has led to a direct increase in adapting to information and communication technologies for imparting education to an increased audience. e-Learning has thus, become the most popular system of education and with the emergence of newer technologies, the reach of education IT learning is widening.
There were 40.20 million mobile connections in Saudi Arabia in January 2020
Of course, there have been challenges in implementing vocational education applications in the whole of Saudi Arabia like material and financial obstacles, technical problems, organizational troubles. But subsequent solutions have been found out to overcome hurdles if any.
Before we analyse how Saudi Arabia has benefited from the e-Learning drive, let us go through the basic concept of electronic learning:
e-Learning – An Overview
e-Learning is a popular technique of imparting knowledge by making use of Internet-based technologies. It can be conducted for an individual, organization or any educational institution. It is a computer based educational system that empowers you to learn anything, from anywhere. It talks about offering technical education and training programmes via digital resources.
Here are certain key features that any educational app would need:
- Association with different learning mechanisms
- In-depth view of information through detailed reporting
- Integration with brands
- Online course material and documentation
- Self-registration
- Responsiveness to design on any device
- Easy to use and intuitive
Here is a glimpse of the e-Learning market in the gulf area:
Key Benefits of Electronic Education and Training
Courtesy: https://www.statista.com/statistics/484930/internet-user-reach-saudi-arabia/
- Scalable and Personalized
One good point about e-Learning is that you can share it with as many learners you want to. You put in your efforts once and keep using that multiple times. Its scalability is one big asset to the world. Also, each person has the freedom and flexibility to learn whatever they want to. There is a large amount of personalized learning involved, that offers a lot of satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Best Suited for All
Online way of learning has proven to be suitable to all – be it students, teachers, professors, working people, housewives etc.
he online method of learning is best suited for everyone. This digital revolution has led to remarkable changes in how the content is accessed, consumed, discussed, and shared. Online educational courses can be taken up by office goers and housewives too, at the time that suits them. Depending on their availability and comfort, many people choose to learn at weekends or evenings.
- Fast Delivery of Educational Stuff
As against the traditional way of classroom teaching, this method helps in faster delivery of educational material. Training materials and training programs can be swiftly distributed amongst participants. They can themselves decide their own speed of execution and accessing the material.
- Availability of Latest Information
One big reward of accessing electronic learning is that you have availability of all the latest information from modern-day learners. All those who are learning through this medium, can then avail the latest content, as and when they need it.
- Utmost Usage of Time, Money, and Resources
e-Learning accounts for a big chunk of savings in terms of time, cost, and resource utilization. Learners save a lot of time by studying online. They also save a lot of money as compared to the traditional way of learning and there is a need for lesser resources since the same can be repeatedly used.
- Effective and Profitable
Learning online through educational institutes proves to be highly profitable and effective. It facilitates a faster grasping, improved results, wider distribution of training material, competence to implement the learnt knowledge and using it for further growth and success.
Impact of e-Learning in Saudi Arabia
e-Learning has been spreading its wings world over, Saudi Arabia being no exception. The best is to see how Saudi Arabia and its sincerity towards adapting to modern-day technical education methods has evolved over the years. It was not as it is today. Few years back, even Saudi Arabia followed the typical method of education – the classroom concept.
Number of universities in 1989, 1999 and 2012
Courtesy: https://qswownews.com/higher-education-in-saudi-arabia/
But, thanks to a great leadership and their unprecedented vision, today, it is one of the pioneers of the latest technological adaptations in the arena of electronic learning. One of the greatest leaders in Saudi Arabia – Prince Sultan, has been a big contributor to the world of education and learning, by starting many technical initiatives. There is a e-Learning center at the ‘Prince Sultan University’ established in 2014 that offers a lot of effective courses.
Here are some of the key facts that depict the deep involvement of the country to embrace the new way of education with open arms:
o A national center for e-Learning has been established
o Almost all universities have e-units or department to contribute to e-Learning
o e-Learning has been utilized as a good substitute for exam conduction at many places
o The ministry of higher education is heavily involved in e-Learning related developments in many universities
o Collaboration with USA and UK for integrated models for e-Learning curriculum and integrated management systems
o Latest Internet accessible facilities availability
o Sociological support from foreign countries for educational developments and e-Learning guidance
o Integrated and remote education to spread out areas with a variety of training programmes
There are many more initiatives being taken by the leaders and education ministry of Saudi Arabia, to encourage the leverage of e-Learning initiatives and other educational techniques.
Some of the popular and effective e-Learning tools are
and many more…
Benefits of e-Learning During Covid-19 Crisis
The world today has witnessed one of the worst pandemics – the Covid-19. Things have gone haywire and it has been a tough call for the entire world, to stick to original routines. At such a crucial time, it is commendable to witness the way in which the Saudi Arabian government has kept its educational activities up and running.
There have been many steps taken by the government and the ministry of education to ensure that there are no hurdles in the normal education routine of students. Here are some of the key activities that are being undertaken:
o Millions of students are undertaking their studies through online ‘virtual schools’
o Many dedicated broadcasting channels have been offering lessons to school children, with an alternative on YouTube
o Study plans have been shared well ahead in advance
o Distance learning and associated tools have been encouraged and followed by millions in the country
o Integrated online educational systems at most universities
o e-Learning available on the web and mobile platforms
o Usage of AI and Big Data techniques to analyze student activities
o Remote learning through audio and video files, images, chats, and shares
o Facilitating the delivery of e-material to all students in a seamless manner
Saudi Arabia is all focussed upon encouraging an increased adaptation of e-Learning solutions and digital learning methods, all through the kingdom. Even during the global crisis, they have ensured their educational activities do not get disrupted, all thanks to the multiple vocational education programmes and higher education programmes in Saudi Arabia.