Volume 29, Issue 4, 2020


DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.1506

The Promises and Challenges of Multimodal Online Learning in Saudi Arabia


Abstract
Under the current circumstances of the (covid-19) pandemic. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has insured to continue the educational process by creating E-learning opportunities for students in order to accomplish the academic year. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness, challenges and promises of the multimodal E-learning after applying it in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an alternative of the traditional face-to-face learning due to the recent global (covid-19) pandemic. The researchers of this study have selected a randomly representative sample of (168 males/females high school students) and (182 English language teachers) in Saudi Arabia. This study followed a mixed methods research methodology consisting of two surveys to collect data in which were published via whatsapp. The findings have revealed that E-Learning has positive impact on students’ language skills, particularly enhancing their reading skill and grammar comprehension but in contrast, has a limited impact on their writing skill. Also, students felt more engaged in E-learning and therefore less distracted. Moreover, online learning has enhanced teachers, ability to express creativity. In addition, the present study highlights that E-learning has made some challenges for both teachers and students like; technical obstacles, students facing group-work difficulties and additionally, teachers needed more time to learn about E- learning and preparing multimodal content for English curriculum. In light of the results, the researchers recommended to Develop training programs in order to improve teachers’ technological skills. Also, Establishing a specialized committee that is responsible of discussing the developmental suggestions towards E-learning. Moreover,designing options in the platforms that allow student-student task-oriented discussions.

Keywords
E-learning, multimodal learning, teaching English, challenges, promises

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