The Attitudes of Al Ain University Students to the Challenges of Distance Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study explored The Attitudes University Students to the Challenges of Distance Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Al Ain University as a case study. To address this goal, we administered an electronic questionnaire to gather data on the technical, pedagogical, and social and physical environment challenges faced by the students. A random sample of 200 members was selected from the online student community, representing 5% of the whole (with a 60/40% female/male split). An analytical descriptive approach was used to assess the results. The main findings were that numerous distractions at home reduced the students' concentration during distance learning, and most faced technical problems with taking electronic exams and studying the curriculum. Students also found that the teaching methods did not suit the process of distance learning. More positively, they also believed that distance learning increased their ability to interact and participate because the barrier of fear was eliminated. These findings suggest several courses of action for modifying course descriptions and curricula to make strategies of teaching and evaluation more suited to distance learning. Such descriptions were designed for face-to-face learning and therefore changes are needed to cope with the requirements of increased amounts of distance learning and teaching.