The motivating and inhibiting factors affecting the use of web-based instruction at the University of Qassim in Saudi Arabia.

摘要

The University of Qassim has a long-term plan for using the Internet as joint of teaching and learning in conventional classrooms, as well as a delivery system for distance learning programs. The main focus of this study was to identify those factors that motivate or inhibit the use of web-based instruction at the University of Qassim, especially those factors relating to organization, personal characteristics, curriculum, technology, and culture.; This study used a survey instrument consisting of three parts; faculty characteristics, motivating factors, and inhibiting factors. Five hundred surveys were administrated to the faculty members of the University of Qassim at the two campuses. Two hundred and thirteen (213) surveys were returned. The data of this show that the faculty in general demonstrated positive attitudes toward using technology. It was found that the faculty age and academic rank have influence on the faculty use of technology and motivation to use WBI. The study found that the male faculty members use the Internet for instructional purposes more than female faculty members, although, the female faculty members have more positive attitudes toward using the Internet and WBI. The skills and access of the computer and Internet, administrative support, and technical support were critical factors that motivate the faculty to use WBI. Furthermore, the faculty are willing to use WBI because they believe that WBI provides effective strategies in teaching and greater course flexibility, and it overcomes scheduling. However, the study found that there are some barriers to WBI use such as the poor Internet infrastructure, the lack of supports in any form, lack of distance education training, lack of credit and rewards, and concern of WBI courses quality. Based on these findings, the study suggests a number of recommendations for the University decision makers as they are implementing WBI programs. Moreover, the findings of this study were on agreement with the findings of four similar studies conducted in the US.