Attitudes OF Graduate Students IN THE College OF Education AT THE University OF Hail TOWARDS THE USE OF THE Simultaneous E-Learning System

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the attitudes of graduate students at the College of Education at the University of Hail towards using the synchronous E-learning system. The study used the descriptive approach to suit the nature of the subject, and relied on the questionnaire as a tool for collecting data. This is due to its suitability to the objectives of the study. The study sample was chosen from (71) male and female students, from the original community of the study, totaling (99) male and female students, distributed among (3) specialized academic programs at the master’s level. The study sample was chosen in a simple random manner, with a percentage that faithfully represents the community. To process the data, the study used a package of statistical methods that included: (frequencies, percentages, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha, mean, and standard deviation). The study reached a set of results, the most important of which are: the presence of a number of obstacles when using the synchronous e-learning system in distance learning from the students’ point of view, including the weakness of the Internet network and its fluctuation while attending distance lectures, and the frequent interruption of the connection to the e-learning management system (Blackboard). At the university, there is poor skill in using computers and applications related to E-learning. The results of the study also indicated the need for graduate students at the College of Education at the University of Hail to be trained to use the synchronous e-learning system and acquire its skills. The use of the synchronous e-learning system is important in developing academic courses, as it enables students to express themselves with great freedom while learning, in addition to its contribution to solving many of the problems that traditional teaching suffers from. The results of the study also indicated that synchronous E-learning is low-cost for students, professors, and the university, provides multiple ways and methods to evaluate student performance, helps connect groups of learners with each other without any consideration of distance, and facilitates the exchange of ideas, information, and experiences among learners.Based on these results, the attitudes of graduate students at the College of Education at Hail University towards using the E-learning system are considered positive. There are some obstacles that prevent the optimal use of the synchronous E-learning system and distance learning from the students’ point of view.