STRATEGIC SHIFT TO USE E-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SAUDI ARABIA – A CASE STUDY

The main aim of this study is to measure, as well as explore, the impact of the opportunities and challenges in the integration of the Online Learning as a strategic shift in higher education in Saudi Arabia. The significance of this case study should come from the modelling of the Online Learning approaches while highlighting neglected and unexplored areas that could consist a strategic advantage for any institution. All academic institutions worldwide are going towards offering online courses as part of their curriculum to meet the expectations and aspirations of their learners. With the 2030 vision and raise of technology integration in the classrooms, Saudi higher education institutions should adapt to this changing environment by integrating online learning in their curriculum. This cannot be done without facing some challenges which will be studied in this research. Proposed solutions and guidelines should be given as part of an elaborated study. The readiness of the Saudi institutions for such a shift will be investigated. The case of Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah will be studied as the university is a premier institution offering high standards of curriculum delivered by high caliber of instructors from different nationalities and background. This environment is fertile for adaptation to the change especially with the longitudinal effort from Dar Al-Hekma University to the use of technology in classrooms. Furthermore, the university has undertaken a strategic planning process in which both authors contributed. One of the findings was to invest in online education and design online courses. A focus group at the level of the university was constituted to study the feasibility of offering online courses in the short term. The research will highlight the major findings at the level of DAH university and expand it to other higher education institutions. The research significance comes mainly in the absence of a related study that portraits the use of e-learning in one of the private universities in Jeddah. The final findings should highlight the requirements behind moving towards online education by discussing the current situation and exploring potential opportunities.