Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Number 6. July 2020                                Pp. 261-277
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.17

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 Perceptions of Saudi Students to Blended Learning Environments at the University of
Bisha, Saudi Arabia

Ammar Anas
Department of English, College of Sciences & Arts
University of Bisha, Al-Namas, Saudi Arabia

 

 

Abstract:
In this study, a survey is conducted to examine learners’ perceptions and satisfaction towards blended learning environments designed around the transactional and transformational approaches of learning theories in a blended course in the College of Arts & Sciences, Al-Namas, the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The study aims to evaluate students’ perceptions and preferences towards the three components of a blended learning environment: multimedia learning materials, assessment, and interactive activities. A mixed-method of research design is used to collect the data. Quantitative data is collected in the form of 12 Likert items in which 22 Saudi students are asked to evaluate their learning experiences in three categories of the blended learning environment. These categories are multimedia learning materials, assessment, and interactive activities in a blended course on Blackboard, a virtual learning platform used by the University of Bisha to support on-line learning. The researcher’s observation is used to decode, and explain the responses of the participants qualitatively. The result reveals that learners prefer illustrated text materials to video, plain text and audio materials, flexible assessments to non-flexible assessment, and embedded communication tools like WhatsApp, blogging, wikis, collaborative activities, and discussion forum.
Keywords: blended learning, instructional design, learning design, learning environment, Saudi students,    

Cite as:  Anas, A. (2020). Perceptions of Saudi Students to Blended Learning Environments at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL (6). 261-277. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.17

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6828-1879
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.17

Ammar Anas is a lecturer in the College of Arts & Sciences, University of Bisha in Al-Namas,
Saudi Arabia. He holds a master’s degree in ELT and a CELTA certificate. Being a blended
learning practitioner and a learning designer, he supervises the e-Learning Unit at the College of
Arts & Sciences Al-Namas. His area of specialization is instructional designing, digital learning
and on-line pedagogies. ORCid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6828-1879