Abstract:

The exploratory research study was undertaken as part of an ongoing investigation into the ownership, actual usage, and perception toward Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as an effective tool for learning and teaching, digital proficiency, perception of training needs, and preferred mode of training among faculty, students and staff of a private women’s university in Saudi Arabia. The researchers were also curious to explore the existence of certain “learning ecologies” set in the unique socio-cultural milieu of Saudi Arabia, especially vis-à-vis women. A fully mixed sequential equal status research design was used for the study. Whereas no significant difference was found among the groups related to the significance of usage of technology in teaching and learning, however, the group differences were significant regarding the usage and perception of social media, and creation and participation in learning ecologies. Qualitative data analysis has revealed some interesting themes like eagerness among faculty to adopt technology, albeit with some psycho-socio-cultural concerns and apprehensions related to the usage of social media, as well as the complexities of integrating technology into teaching. The students' themes revolved around the significance of ICTs in many aspects including teaching and learning, awareness and keenness to make sound use of the affordances of these technologies, and certain degree of discontent regarding the lack of desired digital proficiency among faculty and staff.

Keywords:

ICTs, Higher Education, Learning ecologies, technology adoption.