COVID-19 and the Digital Transformation of Saudi Higher Education

Main Article Content

Hiyam Abdulrahim
Fatma Mabrouk

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of the fourth industrial revolution technologies in mitigating the COVID 19 effects on higher education, through using digital learning and technological work systems as substitutes for traditional learning and work systems in Saudi Arabia. However, due to COVID 19 pandemic, all universities shut down and continued its role of providing educational services and keeping work going on using digital learning and technological work systems. Using a survey implemented in different universities for various colleges directed to faculty staff and students, the study tries to explain how the fourth industrial revolution is influencing higher education and how universities are prepared to face their challenges resulted from COVID 19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The study tries to explain how the fourth industrial revolution can play the role of catalyst for improving productivity, learning outcome, and wellbeing -work environment in these uncertain circumstances. Results display that digital learning is distinct compared to traditional learning, it improves the students learning outcome, enhance the faculty member’s capabilities and implementation of technical systems, develops staff productivity and work environment.


 

Article Details

How to Cite
Abdulrahim , H., & Mabrouk, F. (2020). COVID-19 and the Digital Transformation of Saudi Higher Education. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 291-306. Retrieved from https://asianjde.com/ojs/index.php/AsianJDE/article/view/468
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Hiyam Abdulrahim , Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3992-6241

Fatma Mabrouk, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1300-0494