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

<b>Background:</b> 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. <b>Methods:</b> 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). <b>Results: </b>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. <b>Conclusions: </b>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：新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）疫情的暴发对全球教育领域造成了显著冲击。为管控病毒传播，沙特阿拉伯高等教育领域已引入线上教学实践。此类线上沟通模式已成为缩小教学实践差距的重要工具。本研究评估了在线学习与远程学习的特征，以及阿卜杜勒拉赫曼·本费萨尔大学（Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University, IAU）教职员工在技能应用、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，面向IAU教职员工发放了一份包含22道题目的QuestionPro问卷，内容涉及在线学习经历、培训经历以及教育教学过程中的技能与知识。本研究采用克朗巴哈α（Cronbach’s α）系数检验问卷的信度；采用KMO（Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin）检验与巴特利特（Bartlett）球形检验对标准值进行统计学分析；采用结构方程模型（Structural Equation Modelling, SEM）对本次调研模型中的相关变量进行分析。 结果：本研究显示，IAU教职员工在新冠疫情期间开展线上教学活动的准备度（技能与能力）与执行有效性均呈现积极态势。受访教职员工给出了强烈的正向反馈，同时受访者对培训讲师的专业知识、课程管理、沟通能力以及培训主题相关专业素养均表示高度认可与赞赏。 结论：上述正向反馈表明，IAU已具备为顺利开展线上教育流程提供必要支持（工具、信息与更新服务）的能力。