Faculty readiness for online teaching at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University during the COVID-19 crisis: a cross-sectional study

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the education sector around the world. In order to control the spread of the virus, eLearning practice has been introduced in Saudi higher education. Such online communication has become an important tool to narrow the teaching practice gap. This study assessed the characteristics of eLearning and distance learning and the inclination of Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University (IAU) faculty members in terms of skills, and managing classes and tests using online learning tools. Methods: A QuestionPro questionnaire with 22 questions on eLearning experience, training experience, and skills and knowledge in the educational process of IAU teaching faculty was conducted through the online university e-mail domain. The questionnaire’s reliability was studied using Cronbach’s a coefficient. The criterion value was statistically studied using the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) and Bartlett’s test. The variables associated with the present survey model were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: The study showed positive responses and readiness (skills and abilities) and the effectiveness of IAU’s faculty members to perform e-learning activities during COVID-19. IAU faculty received a strong positive response, and the respondents were also impressed with and agreed on trainer knowledge, session management, communication and expertise on training topics. Conclusions: The positive response indicates the readiness of IAU to provide the necessary support (tools, information and updates) required for a successful online educational process.背景：新冠疫情（COVID-19 pandemic）的暴发对全球教育领域造成了深远影响。为控制病毒传播，沙特阿拉伯高等教育领域已引入在线学习（eLearning）实践。此类线上沟通模式已成为缩小教学实践差距的关键工具。本研究评估了在线学习与远程学习的特征，以及伊玛目阿卜杜勒拉赫曼·本费萨尔大学（Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University，IAU）教职员工在技能掌握、使用在线学习工具管理课堂与测试方面的倾向。 方法：本研究通过大学官方电子邮箱域，向IAU教学教职员工发放了一份包含22个问题的QuestionPro问卷，内容涵盖在线学习经历、培训经历以及教育过程中的技能与知识。采用克朗巴哈α系数（Cronbach’s α coefficient）对问卷信度进行检验；使用KMO（Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin）检验与巴特利特球形检验（Bartlett’s test）对标准值开展统计学分析；采用结构方程模型（Structural Equation Modelling，SEM）对本调研模型涉及的变量进行分析。 结果：研究表明，新冠疫情期间，IAU教职员工在开展在线学习活动时，展现出积极的反馈态度与充足的准备状态（技能与能力），且在线教学活动的实施成效良好。受访教职员工给出了强烈的正向反馈，同时对培训师的专业知识、课程管理能力、沟通水平以及培训主题相关的专业素养表示高度认可与赞赏。 结论：本次正向反馈显示，IAU已具备为成功开展在线教育流程提供必要支持（工具、信息与更新内容）的条件。