Students‛ perceptions of distance learning during the corona pandemic crisis : the Kuwaiti Private Universities as a case study

Abstract EN

The coronavirus pandemic was a real challenge for many governments and private entities, especially for educational institutions around the world.

schools and universities were forced to consider adopting distance learning (DL), rather than the traditional face to-face teaching method.

although several studies suggest that dl can be as effective as traditional classroom teaching, a few studies have focused on student satisfaction with online instruction, particularly during a period of rapid transition to distance learning.

this study investigates the level of student acceptance of distance learning in private universities in Kuwait.

the factors which are examined in the study are technology, social presence, and the quality of learning.

the sample of the study consists of student-participants taken from five private universities in Kuwait who answered the online questionnaire.

the findings suggest that to enhance the DL environment, universities need to address these factors seriously in order to help students adapt to the new learning environment.

The paper concludes that DL requires different circumstances than these required for the face to-face setting.

Understanding students' attitudes toward DL is the key to developing and implementing successful online learning.