Impediments of Activating E-Learning in Higher Education Institutions in Saudi Arabia

This paper presents the real reasons which constraint the application of the E-learning in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia (Case study: Qassim University)and some suggested solutions. A questionnaire has been designed for the study include 48 paragraphs, divided into 5 parts, the first include the principle information, the second define how the technology can be used in the E-learning, the third deals with how to support the E-learning idea, the fourth part, asking the difficulties and challenges that face the application of E-learning, the fifth items asking to provide suggestion for solving the problem. The study has 100 samples for faculty members and undergraduate students in Ar-Rass college of Science and Arts, male Departments at Qassim University. The study indicates that the main factors that obstruct the E-learning is the financial support from saving advanced PC's, labs, and establishing strong computer network, adding to the weakness of some faculty members and student to English language. The study focused in the suggested solution for the problem by applying the Electronic subjects, and imposes the whole faculty members to prepare at least one course in Electronic form. Keywords—E-Learning; Internet; curriculum; Saudi Arabia Universities; cultural aspects


I. INTRODUCTION
Due to penetration of advanced technology, computer networks, and communication technology in all sectors of life makes the applications of E-learning much more easier than before [1][2]. E-learning is considered one of the distance learning forms, and can be defined as a method of using advanced technologies in computer science, such as network, software, multimedia, electronic library, international network (internet), and multimedia. The important is to deliver the information using easiest way in a short time i.e. saving time and effort. As a result of rapid advanced in information technologies and its effect in all aspects of life, the university education must be more responsive for these dramatic changes and rapid development. Due to the fact that the production of the university education is considered an input and work items in different economic sectors, the E-learning need a wellestablished infra-structure of a computer networks, so that the institutions think about the cost which can sure the success of E-learning process [3]. E-learning introduces a new form of education and getting knowledge around the world. It can help those whom they live in a remote area to continue their university study by application of advanced in technology in computer networks [4].
E-Learning has amazing prospects for the most of the development countries. For successful deployment of e-Learning as a modern teaching method, the readiness of both quantitatively and qualitatively must be measured [5][6].
E-Learning enables the universities and institutions to train their geographically scattered workforce and make them eligible with the dynamic knowledge and skill demands with greater efficiency but at less cost [7][8].
This paper deals with the Impediments of Activating E-Learning in Higher Education Institutions in Saudi Arabia, and how we can overcome the difficulties face the application of E-learning. This can be obtained by a questionnaire filled by student and faculty members in 9 departments at Ar-Rass College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.

II. E-LEARNING DEFINITIONS
It is well known that the E-learning have many definitions, a few of them will be presented here to extract some understanding [9]. 1) Tom Kelly, Cisco: "E-learning is about information, communication, education and training. Regardless of how trainers categorize training and education, the learner only wants the skills and knowledge to do a better job or to answer the next question from a customer." 2) "E-learning provides the potential to provide the right information to the right people at the right times and places using the right medium.
3) "Brandon Hall: "…instruction that is delivered electronically, in part or wholly via a Web browser, (…) through the Internet or an intranet, or through multimedia platforms such CD-ROM or DVD." Brandon Hall argues that, as the technology improves, e-learning has been identified primarily with using the web, or an intranet's web. Increasinglyas higher bandwidth has become more accessibleit has been identified primarily with using the 13 | P a g e www.ijacsa.thesai.org Web, or an intranet's web, forcing the visual environment and interactive nature of the web on the learning environment. 4) Learning Circuits: "E-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV and CD-ROM." 5) Rosenberg: "E-learning refers to the use of Internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance." Rosenberg claims that elearning is based on three fundamental criteria:

III. BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES
The learning modalities have their strengths and weaknesses. The list of benefits and disadvantages of elearning can be summarized as the following [10]: a) Benefits of E-Learning 1) Reduced cost. The total cost can be reduced through reducing the instructor costs, travel expenses, room rentals, lodging and meals. The time required for attending the class could be used for other duties.
2) Efficient. The e-learning is efficiently uses resources to train many people. In synchronous class one instructor can be sufficient for many classes in many locations in the same time. Globally consistent. E-learning provides a global solution to the employees whom they work away from the home office.
3) Scalable. E-learning solutions scale more easily than traditional classroom training. Universal access to experts. Asynchronous e-learning overcome the problem of communications with the instructor. E-learning provides cross-border access and/or exposure to expert knowledge and top instructors. 4) Reduces/eliminates travel. E-learning eliminates the travel expenses. 5) Trackable. E-learning solutions can provide tracking mechanisms that record attendance, completion and time spent on specific training modules.
6) Convenient. Asynchronous e-learning solutions allow a student to learn based on their personnel circumstances. Synchronous e-learning allows students in different locations to attend classes morning or evening. b) Disadvantages 1) Initial investment: The costs to establish an e-learning infrastructure can be hit the ledger in Year One, although the e-learning program may have a lifespan that lasts several years.
2) Inappropriate content: The content must match the community requirements. Complex issues that require handson learning may not fit the model.
3) Technology issues: As bandwidth and hardware costs continue to decrease, e-learning becomes more relevant as a learning solution. Remote areas with limited bandwidth may not be able to realize the benefits of e-learning. 4) Diminished personal interaction: E-learning limits personal interactions between the instructor and students. The forms of communication are dramatically limited with elearning. Instructors may find it difficult to determine the level of the students of the subject matter. 5) Employee acceptance: Due to rapid development in communications and technology, more employees became familiar with it, and the acceptance for e-learning grows. Some employees particularly may feel uncomfortable with elearning. Cultural issues may also inhibit the use of technology for e-learning.
6) Motivation: E-learning, particularly asynchronous training, requires students to take the initiative to start and complete the training. Some students may not be motivated to allocate the time to learn.

IV. THE STUDY QUESTIONS:
The study focus on determining the reasons that prevent application of E-learning in Saudi Arabia Higher institutes, and how can overcome the difficulties to spread the Elearning. The problem formulations can be determining through the following questions:

1) Is the current technology is useful in applying Elearning?
2) What are the motivations that support the idea of using E-learning?
3) What are the difficulties that face applying Elearning? 4) What are the suggested solutions to this problem?

V. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
This study aims to find out the difficulties and constraints that face the E-learning in the university community from the student and faculty members' point of view. Also, how to overcome the problem of applying the E-learning in a wide range, regarding the need of community, to this type of education.

VI. OBJECT OF THE STUDY
The study aims to the following points: 1) Find out the reasons that obstruct the application of E-learning in the higher education institutes in Saudi Arabia.
2) The feasibility of the current technology in supporting the E-learning.
3) Find the motivation that can support the E-learning. 4) Defining the solution of the problem and how to apply it.

Limitations of the Study:
The study has been developed within the following limits: 1) The factors that effect in e-learning applications in Higher Institutions.
2) Sample from the undergraduate student and Faculty members. www.ijacsa.thesai.org

VII. ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY:
The questionnaire has been distributed to all departments in the college. The distribution process considering the faculty members belongs to the science departments, the faculty members belongs to Arts department, the student belongs to science departments, and the student belongs to Arts Departments. A table 1 through 4 indicates the results of the questionnaire.
From the results of the study we can summarize the following points: 1) The use of internet chat relay group, E-mail, discussion group and computer based instructions are the most suitable tools that can supporting the use of E-learning.
2) The motivations that support the E-learning process such as provide the chance for completing the university study, helping the student in studying their subjects with less effort, and helping the student to develop their own skills. 3

) The Impediments that face the applications of Elearning can be summarized from the study as the following points: a) Some of the students and some faculty members survive from the poor culture of using PCs. b) Poor infrastructure for the computer networks. c) The computer labs in the college is not sufficient to handle the process. d) Some of the faculty members and student have poor English.
e) There is not enough training program to develop the culture of E-learning.
1) The following are the suggested points to overcome the applying the E-learning process at the college: a) Providing training program to the student to develop their ability to use the computer. b

VIII. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The study indicated that there are some tools can help in applying the E-learning such as E-mail, internet chat replay group, and computer based instructions. Also, the motivation that can support the idea of E-learning is that helping those whom lives a way from the institutions to complete their university study and develop the student skills. The E-learning provided some services for the student and the faculty members. The major factors that resist the application of Elearning are summarized as the following points:  Poor culture of using PCs.
 The infrastructures for the computer networks are not well structured.
 The computer labs need to be provided with advanced computer systems.
 low level of English language for Some of the faculty members and students.
 There is not enough training program to develop the culture of E-learning.
In order to remove the resistance of applying E-learning, there are some points must be considered, such as establishing a training program for faculty members and students, applying E-Test for a certain number of subjects, providing the internet service to the whole buildings in the college. The results of the study could be useful for other countries with the same circumstances and culture.

IX. CONCLUSIONS
The paper presents and analysis of factors affecting, the application of E-learning at Qassim university (Ar-Rass College of Science and Arts, Qassim University). Also, presents how can face the problem and improve the culture of e-learning in the university community. The study propose the factors that help in applying e-learning such as E-mail groups, internet chat groups and computer based instructions. Also, applying the E-courses for few subject will force both students and faculty members to raise their ability to deal with Elearning. The difficulties that face applying E-learning is discussed and presented. The result indicate the importance of finding a good media for applying E-learning such as establish adavanced computer laps, establish a training programs to train and the students and faculty members for using Elearning.

X. SUGGESTED FUTURE WORK
The work can be applied for females department to judge if the same difficulties or another factors rather that found in males department. Different factors could be considered at the questionnaire. Reduce the factors of questionnaire in order to determine exactly the difficulties and how to face it within simple applicable procedures.
16 | P a g e www.ijacsa.thesai.org  Given many opportunities to pursue higher education 1 Help students to communicate with the college easily 2 Help students complete their college education and to overcome the geographical difficulties. 3 Make communication between students and faculty members in the process very easy. 4 Help students to communicate with each other. 5 Help develop students' skills in dealing with the computer 6 Help in the preparation of qualified human resources, which are commensurate with the quality programs. 7 Help create a competitive environment between the educational institutions 8 Helps to spread higher education in areas that do not have institutes or colleges. 9 Help to provide electronic services to students, as well as faculty members. 10 totally disagree disagree Neutral agree Totally agree Fourth: Difficulties and challenges facing the application of e-learning * Please tick the appropriate box of the extent of your agreement to these justifications.
Lack of students for the culture of dealing with the computer 1 Lack of some members of the faculty of the culture of dealing with the computer. 2 Not convinced some members of the faculty of the feasibility of using e-learning. 3 Convinced some faculty members that this type of education does not bear fruit. 4 Lack of awareness of the importance of overall management of this type of education. 5 Not convinced of the overall management of the importance of using this type of education 6 The unwillingness of students to use this type of education. 7 Difficult to provide Internet services. 8 Not to encourage faculty to use this type of education. 9 Lack of modern computers will help spread this type of education 10 The lack of computers among students in their homes 11 Poor infrastructure necessary for the work units of this type of education. 12 Lack of financial resources needed to build a good network computer. 13 Lack the necessary training programs to promote this type of education 14 The unwillingness of the faculty members in training programs that help them to master this type of education. 15 The lack of computers in many of the faculty members in their homes 16 The lack of computers in many of the faculty members in their offices. 17 Poor English language proficiency among students. 18 Poor English language proficiency among some faculty members. 19 Lack of community acceptance for this type of education. 20