Populating contents of the Saudi eLearning objects repository “Maknaz” from information technology & knowledge management perspective

Abstract

E-Learning is an important tool for current learning and teaching processes. Learning Objects Repository (LOR) has been seen as a key factor in eLearning and knowledge management environment. Universities in Saudi Arabia have prioritized implementing eLearning in their development plans. However, current learning and teaching process in higher education in Saudi Arabia is still mostly traditional. Educational and information technologies adoption is slow due to the lack of awareness about the importance of collaborative learning that is mainly based on LORs knowledge and technical skills that educators and learners should have. There is a need to study the possible technical tools and approaches that can direct eLearning practices in Saudi Arabia to embrace the initiative of the Saudi National Learning Objects Repository “Maknaz” in order to collaboratively populate and digitalize its knowledge contents. Due to the slow adoption of technologies and knowledge management systems in Saudi higher education, it is important to analyze the academics and students' acceptance toward current eLearning environment implemented so far. This paper investigates what efforts have been made so far to implement eLearning and LORs technologies in Saudi Arabia; and suggests what is required from participants in the higher educational institutions to link these technologies to education and pedagogy practices based on an integrated knowledge management system with eLearning to creatively create and exchange new knowledge localized in LORs.