Towards an Efficient Integrated Distance and Blended Learning Model: How to Minimize the Impact of COVID-19 on Education

Authors

  • Ahmed Al-Hunaiyyan Computer and information systems department. College of Business Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait.
  • Rana Alhajri Computer Science department, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait.
  • Andrew Bimba Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i10.21331

Keywords:

Distance learning, COVID-19 Pandemic, e-learning, Perceptions, Modeling, Competency

Abstract


As governments and international bodies worldwide sought to prevent the spread of Covid-19, underdeveloped countries have been particularly challenged as they have little or no technological models and frameworks in place and the literature offers little guidance. The current research applied a quantitative approach to researching educational practitioners’ perceptions of e-learning acceptance, using a sample of 4,024 educators and students from a range of Kuwaiti educational institutions. Findings indicate that respondents were slightly supportive of e-learning adoption, with a majority acknowledging its advantages. However, respondents also mention the need for development in the technological competencies required to operate the proposed e-learning programs and a range of challenges that may impact e-learning. Hence, the authors propose a distance and blended learning model (DBLM) to enhance the implementation, utilisation, and evaluation of e-learning within the Kuwaiti educational system. Also, an e-learning teacher capability maturity model (eTCMM) was proposed to foster educators’ competencies and enable their active use of e-learning platforms.

Author Biography

Ahmed Al-Hunaiyyan, Computer and information systems department. College of Business Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait.

Dean College of Business Studies

Associate Professor

Computers & Info. Systems Department

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Published

2021-05-25

How to Cite

Al-Hunaiyyan, A., Alhajri, R., & Bimba, A. (2021). Towards an Efficient Integrated Distance and Blended Learning Model: How to Minimize the Impact of COVID-19 on Education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 15(10), pp. 173–193. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i10.21331

Issue

Section

Papers