Abstract:

The use of technology in in Higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia is constantly evolving. E-portfolios are one of the innovative learning and assessment tools used in many educational institutions worldwide. For a local university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the idea of e-portfolios, a tool that has not been used yet, was introduced to the university’s stakeholders. The purpose of this research is to examine the readiness of the local University in adopting e-portfolio and its acceptance by the university’s students and faculties. This case study collects quantitative data through questionnaires (based on TAM-Technology acceptance model) distributed to the university’s students and faculties. It also conducts a focus group of 20 MIS (Management Information System) students who were given the opportunity to learn about e-portfolios and create their first e-portfolios during the research study. Interviews with the university senior management are also conducted seeking the drivers needed to adopt e-portfolios. The result of the study highlights the factors needed for students’ and faculties’ acceptance. Factors include technology skills and the awareness of e-portfolios potential benefits as maintaining access to course work and showcasing it. Finally, the role of university’s senior management in adopting e-portfolios is highlighted in the study. This includes mainly understanding the advantages and disadvantages of e-portfolios and providing the proper training and support to the university’s stakeholder.

Keywords:

E-portfolios, e-technology, TAM, GCC, MIS, Saudi Arabia, Higher Education.