A FRAMEWORK MODEL FOR THE DISTANCE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN SAUDI ARABIA

Received: 13.06.2021; Revised: 22.07.2021, Accepted: 15.09.2021, Published Online: 30.09.2021

Prof. Dr Aeshah Alamri

Department of Education Technology, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Jamilah A Alokluk

PhD is Assistant Professor, Department of Information and Learning Resources

Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

This study aims to present a 3-axis model for the distance higher education system in Saudi Arabia. These three axes are: comprehensive quality standards, a design model for the system framework, and the components of the model from a systemic perspective. Each of these axes has several divisions. To achieve the aim of this study, several experts from universities in and outside Saudi Arabia were consulted in order to compose the best model. The fields of expertise of the consulted professors included Educational Technologies, Teaching Methodologies, Pedagogy, Management and Planning, Psychology, Computer Sciences, IT, ICT, and Library and Information Sciences.

This study followed a systematic approach which includes detecting the issue, analyzing it, presenting a recommended solution model, developing a solution tool according to the model, and finally testing the solutions and improving the problem-solving process, all to orient the components of the system towards specific goals. This approach depends on the elements of a comprehensive system in which all relations between these elements are fully addressed. This study also used the descriptive analytical approach through the application of the tools of the study throughout a full school year (1441/1442 A.H). During that year, the questionnaires for the three axes of the study were deployed and the results and open-source responses were analyzed through 6 stages using the Delphi Method. This method is of high importance in predicting future variables and establishing policies and alternatives, all in order to create the future perceptions and tendencies. Additionally, the quality standards for the recommended model for the distance higher education system framework in Saudi Arabia were attained, and the recommended model for the distance higher education system framework was designed accordingly. There also exists a comprehensive description for the elements of the recommended model from a systemic perspective.

The study is concluded by highlighting the importance of activating the recommended model for the distance higher education system in Saudi Arabia, as well as promoting the concept of institutional designing of distance education and discovering scientific methods in the fields of distance education and technical development.

Keywords: System, Higher Education, Framework Model, Distance Education.