A proposal for the Development of an E-University Skills Course in Common First Year at King Saud University in the Light of Quality Matters Standards

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the degree of availability of Quality Matters (QM) standards in the e-university skills course in the Common First Year (CFY) at King Saud (KSU) and to build a proposed scenario for applying those standards in the course. The analytical descriptive approach was used in the study as it is more suitable to the study's nature and variables. The study sample included an e-university skills course in CFY-KSU in the second semester 1444/1445 AH. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher relied on a content analysis card which is based on global quality standards for e-courses adopted by Quality Matters. One of the most notable findings of the study was that the main QM standards applied in the e-university skills course ranged from 33.3 to 100%. The criterion entitled “learning output, evaluation, measurement, course activities, teacher interaction, techniques in the course, access and use” came in the first order, at 100 per cent, while the criterion entitled “introduction of the course” came in the second order at 50.00 per cent, the criterion entitled “educational materials” came in the third order, at 46.15 per cent, and the criterion entitled “learner support” in the last order, at 33.3 per cent. The overall percentage of applying QM standards in the e-university skills course in CFY at KSU, estimated at 78.7%, indicates that the QM standards are not adequately applied in the course, as the percentage should be at least 85. In conclusion, the researcher introduced his proposed scenario based on the results achieved. In the light of the previous findings, the study recommends evaluating e-courses continuously through learning systems in the light of the standards of organizations recognized locally or globally and developing them continuously in line with the local and global quality standards of e-courses. It is also recommended to conduct training courses for faculty members to train them in developing and using e-courses according to quality standards in teaching and learning processes.