Students' Perception and Acceptance of e-Learning and eEvaluation in Higher Education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of online resources in educational institutions, making e-learning a necessity. This study aimed to investigate how students from four colleges at Jazan University in Saudi Arabia perceived and accepted e-learning and e-evaluation. Methods: 236 students participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in October 2021. The students completed a well-constructed questionnaire with 22 closed-ended questions divided into five domains. The students rated their answers on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 to 5. To analyze the collected data, the researchers utilized SPSS (v26). Result: Out of the total 236 students who participated in the study, most (30.5%) from the College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (59.8%) used laptops, while 78% of students had a favorable impression of e-learning. Students' perceptions were focused on whether e-learning and e-evaluation methods helped them understand the study material smoothly and clearly. Among the students, 27% strongly agreed, 25% agreed, 16% were neutral, 11% disagreed, and 11% strongly disagreed. Additionally, 28% of the students strongly agreed, and 34% agreed that exam questions during e-evaluation were appropriate and comprehensive. Although online learning may result in less social contact, a lack of social presence, and difficulties in communication harmonization, e-learning still has some positive effects on students. It is considered a powerful platform, especially during emergencies or for those unable to attend in-person classes to complete their studies. The study has significant implications for higher education institutions, especially during emergencies, where online learning is necessary. Future research can further explore the factors that affect student perceptions and acceptance of elearning and e-evaluation and how to improve them. © 2023, Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences. All Rights Reserved.