Jazan University is one of the Saudi universities writing a unique success story in the rapid transformation of e-learning and distance education, with its continuous development and various initiatives, and for its contribution to supporting and enriching the Kingdom’s experience in e-learning. These initiatives were praised by 6 international organizations and two studies that confirmed the distinctive approaches. Saudi Arabia stood out due to the speed of response, multiple options, and continuous improvement of remote learning during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Previous experiences

March 8, 2020, corresponding to Sunday 13 Rajab 1441 AH, is considered a remarkable day for the education sector in the Kingdom, as among the decisions taken by the country was to suspend regular classes and switch to “distance education”. Jazan University recorded excellence in performance, reflecting its pioneering experience in the field of distance education since 2010. Also, we had experience in transforming to distance education completely in the University Colleges (Samtah and Al-Aarda) during the exceptional circumstances of Operation Decisive Storm.

Programs and Initiatives

Jazan University strengthened the transition plan to e-learning with a number of support programs and channels, and implemented many development initiatives to achieve quality and secure digital resources, in addition to launching many programs and training courses that targeted faculty members and teachers of the Jazan region to improve the performance and e-learning practices.

Support and training

The Deanship of E-Learning and Information Technology designed (44) training manuals for students and faculty members, created (75) video files, supported (25) of e-learning units in the university’s faculties, comprising about (60) members speaking both Arabic and English. In addition (67) training courses were developed to train on the usage of the University’s e-learning management system, which serves over (50) thousand male and female students.

Figures and Statistics:

The total number of virtual lectures reached (434810), attended by (12538635) male and female students, with a total attendance period (1118411), the number of times browsing educational content was (56563504), and the number of electronic discussions conducted on the platform by faculty members (660860). And the number of electronic evaluations held on the platform were (3495978).

Affiliate development

Jazan University, represented by the Deanship of E-Learning and Information Technology, launched an initiative to develop the capabilities of the university’s faculty members and develop their skills in using e-learning tools to increase their efficiency. 8 training packages were created that included (38) courses to develop the capabilities of faculty members in E-learning included digital empowerment, effective presentation skills, micro-education skills, skills of using e-learning platforms and systems, educational design, digital content production skills, and electronic evaluation skills. The eighth package was devoted to medical and applied medical sciences specialties, and the number of beneficiaries reached (1614).

Dissemination of knowledge and transfer of expertise

Jazan University continued to fulfill its role and mission in spreading knowledge and community service, as it trained more than (5800) teachers from the staff of the Jazan and Sabya Education Departments, utilizing the highest international standards in the fields of online training with its qualified staff backed by academic knowledge and scientific skills in the field of e-learning. The training programs included a set of training packages that were provided to the trainees and covered varied aspects and skills of training in e-learning, distance education teaching skills, using tools and related software such as Microsoft Teams.