Motivational Challenges in E-Learning at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools, colleges, and universities switched from their traditional modes of classroom teaching to online/e-learning. This has boosted e-learning culture and made it a common practice in Saudi universities. Blending e-learning and traditional teaching methods in educational institutions empowers today’s students with online systems to support their pursuit of academic knowledge and skills. Because this is a recent endeavour in Saudi Arabia, it presents many challenges. There has been very little serious research done on the best practices to improve students’ e-learning outcomes. This study investigates the motivational and technological impediments encountered by Saudi students, using a questionnaire as a research tool to explore their real life e-learning experiences and issues at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The objective was to identify effective motivational strategies to engage learners. This in-depth study yielded many firsthand insights into issues that impede students’ motivations in e-learning. After analyzing each problem, the paper proposes some concrete, innovative tips and teaching strategies for both the teachers and the students to make a feasible and significant difference in the e-learning practice.