Impact of WebCT on learning: An Oman experience

For Syed Naqvi

Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman

Done By:Abdullah Al Saa’di

Tariq Al SaadiKhalfan Al Shuaili

Jamal Al KindiRashid Al Buriki

Outline1

• Abstract

2• Trends affecting education

3• Background to the study

4• Purpose of the study

5• Brief description of WebCT

6• Methodology

7• Results and findings

8• Summary and conclusion

1. Abstract:This study investigated the impact of WebCT on

students learning taking a course “Introduction to

Computers in Business” offered at the College of

Commerce and Economics, Sultan Qaboos

University in the Sultanate of Oman

Con. Abstract

The finding showed that though the students have

little exposure of WebCT at the beginning of the

course but towards the end they have appreciated

the importance and the use of WebCT.

3. Trends affecting education:

Advancement of technology.

Videoconferencing

Online learning

4. Background to the study environment:

Sultan Qaboos University is the only national university in the country.

Opened in 1986.

It serving to more than 15000 students.

The traditional Islamic separation of the sexes is maintained in the architecture of the University.

Campus of SQU:

The campus portrays the rich heritage of

Oman and Islam while incorporating all the

efficiencies of modern life. The result is an

educational and living environment which

is both functional and attractive

Colleges:

- Medicine

- Engineering

- Agriculture

- Education

- Science

- Arts

- Commerce

Centers

There are five centers at SQU

- Center for Human Resources and Staff Development

- The Students Counseling Center

- The Center for Information Systems

- The Language Center

- Center for Education Technology (CET)

4. Purpose of the study

The major goal of this study is to see the

effects of using WebCT on the students

results at Sultan Qaboos University.

5. Brief description of web CT:

It is the corner stone of e-learning in higher education.

The roles of WebCT Enhance both teaching and learning

Helps students to get a lot of information without limits

Provides learners with digital and visual content of the

learning material(videos, shows, graphics, clips…etc)

Enables students to choose the assistance of an instructor

Helps learners to submit and retrieve information (download

and upload)

Allows students to work and chat in groups

6. Methodology

“Introduction to Computers in Business”.

Male and female with similar educational

background and very little or no initial IT skills

(Validity)

Total sample size was seventy one subjects

Con. Methodology

Questionnaire was designed for this study with fourteen questions

1. WebCT Accessibility

2. Attitudes toward WebCT

3. Learning through WebCT

4. Students Preferences

Con. Methodology

Responses were based on Likert scale

Stage of collection data: Prior data collection (at the beginning of the course)

After data collection (at the end of the course)

A. WebCT Accessibility

B. Attitudes toward WebCT

C. Learning through WebCT

The perception of students towards the WebCT as a tool for learning was poor.

The students have indicated the positive effects of WebCT on:

Understanding.

learning the course material.

better exam preparations.

C. Learning through WebCT

D. Students Preferences

The students were asked their preference mode of learning through:

Instructor only.

WebCT only .

Instructor and WebCT.

D. Students Preferences

8. Summary and Conclusion

Those students who were exposed to the WebCT

online learning environment, had positive

attitudes toward WebCT and in turn had better

learning and understanding of the course

material.Use of IT brings about more positive attitudes

and hence greater confidence in the users