Despite the considerable potential for e-learning to improve learning outcomes, particularly for female students and students who need to rely on distance learning, feedback from current users of e-learning systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) suggests a relatively low level of satisfaction. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach in investigating the underlying reasons for this situation. Results indicate that students are not unhappy with the information technology infrastructure or with other technical aspects. However, many students report a low level of interaction between them and their fellow students. When interactions do occur, students indicate overwhelmingly that they find such interactions useful. Together, these findings suggest that greater student interaction, which could be fostered through the use of collaborative learning, is likely to be both popular with students and beneficial to their learning outcomes.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Language, Communication and Culture
Research Group:	Communication and media studies
Research Field:	Communication technology and digital media studies
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the information and computing sciences
UTAS Author:	Drew, S (Dr Steve Drew)
ID Code:	111913
Year Published:	2013
Deposited By:	Tasmanian Institute of Learning & Teaching
Deposited On:	2016-10-14
Last Modified:	2018-03-29
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