Challenges in the Implementation of Smart and Virtual Systems in Higher Education: The Case of Saudi University
Challenges in the Implementation of Smart and Virtual Systems in Higher Education: The Case of Saudi University

Summary/Abstract: Background/purpose. The study aimed to identify the challenges of using smart and virtual systems in university education, the theoretical and applied foundations, and the challenges that faculty members in Saudi Arabian universities face when using these systems. Materials/methods. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and administered a questionnaire to a sample of 371 faculty members to assess the current situation. Results. The indicators for the dimension related to personal learning challenges (M=2.63), the indicators for the dimension related to organizational challenges (M=2.61), and the indicators for the dimension related to technical challenges (M=2.58). In addition, the indicators for the dimension related to educational efficiency challenges (M = 2.54). These results indicate that technical infrastructure and individualization processes are the most critical problem areas for faculty members. The lack of significant differences by gender, academic title, faculty type, and years of experience (p>0.05) suggests that the problems are structural and systemic. Conclusion. The study is valuable for its comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted challenges facing higher education, particularly in digital infrastructure and teacher competencies. Research indicates that faculty members in Saudi Arabian universities face challenges when using smart and virtual systems. However, there is limited understanding of the components of a system for using smart and virtual systems in education and how these components interact to contribute to the development of a smart education system.

• Details
• Contents