Title: Assessment of Online Learning in Algerian Universities during COVID-19

Issue Number: Vol. 6, No. 3
Year of Publication: 2020
Page Numbers: 28-58
Authors: BOUTKHIL GUEMIDE, SALIMA MAOUCHE
Journal Name: The International Journal of E-Learning and Educational Technologies in the Digital Media (IJEETDM)
- Hong Kong
DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.17781/P002676

Abstract:


Algeria has been hit by the Coronavirus, and as a result, the Algerian government has taken serious measures to deal with the current situation. In this context, the Algerian ministry of higher education and scientific research has instructed universities to perform both online teaching and learning through regular, established eLearning platforms, as a step towards reducing the spread of the Coronavirus. Although this measure has been largely appreciated by academics, teachers, and students, online learning in Algerian universities, especially during the critical period of the Corona pandemic lacks many issues; such as, facilities and materials that should be resolved to achieve a total success for online learning in Algerian universities. The purpose of the present paper is to provide an assessment of the online learning electronic system provided by Algerian universities during the pandemic. Basically, the research relies on students’ and teachers’ questionnaires as the undertaking tool to gather valid data in order to analyze and highlight the shortcomings of the online learning which has been provided in the aforementioned period. Also, it is a survey study that sets the future framework of successful online learning system in the Algerian universities. The research results indicated that total reliance on online learning was according to strategies and planned learning objectives. However, it did not go well. As a matter of fact, the online learning system in the Algerian higher education sector needs a solid platform for its total implementation, and needs to make sure that the elements of the teaching/ and learning process succeed with the mastery of the technological tools. Although the academic staff are aware of what online learning means; however, they feel that they are still not ready to engage totally in the online learning electronic system because of the lack of solid infrastructure, the lack of effective training and IT workshops for teachers, and other obstacles and related issues. The research concluded with some recommendations which should be taken into account for better implementation of online learning electronic system in the Algerian higher education context.