eIntegration Challenges in Higher Education Institutions
in Saudi Arabia
Prof. Reima Sado Al‐Jarf
King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
E‐mail: reemasado@msn.com
Abstract
The study aimed at finding out whether online courses are currently used at
Saudi higher education institutions, in which majors online courses are offered and
which delivery systems are used. It was found that only 6 universities (43%) are
currently offering online courses using WebCT or Blackboard. The amount and type of
online courses offered are not proportionate with the number of colleges, departments
and faculty at those universities. The current use of WebCT and Blackboard is not cost‐
effective. Lack of motivation, online teaching skills, training in technology integration,
administrative support,
inadequate
infrastructure and funds contribute to the
inadequate use of online courses. Since the integration of technology in higher
education is inevitable, a number of recommendations for the successful adoption,
integration and use of online courses are given.