SHALL UNIVERSITIES AT THE UAE CONTINUE DISTANCE LEARNING AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? REVEALING STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE

The aim of this study is to reveal universities students' perspective and understand their preferences on distance learning, due to the change happened on education process as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and universities lockdown. This shift in education from traditional classroom learning to distance learning might be one of the largest educational experiments to date. As the online learning process has become more prevalent in UAE due to COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes particularly important to understand students' experiences, and most important revealing their perspective and preferences. This research was therefore designed to understand the student's perspective, challenges, and attitudes about distance learning being conducted at the University. The study employed a descriptive survey. The data was collected using online questionnaire. The present study was carried out amongst students at University of Dubai. Using simple random sampling technique for the study, 133 responses were collected. The results showed that 55% of the students liked distance learning. The analysis revealed 26% would like to study 100% online, while majority of students 49% are in favor of studying through blended learning system which is combination of online and in-class, therefore, Ministry of Education should develop certain rules and guidelines wherein universities are urged to continue offering blended learning system.