The Potential for Integrating a Distance-Learning Initiative into the Curriculum of a Saudi Female Private College

Hanan M. Taleb
(Faculty of Engineering & IT, The British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract: Distance learning is a powerful source for providing education in developing countries. It tends to be an attractive option in countries where a rapidly-growing population is dispersed over a large geographical area. This is more or less the case in Saudi Arabia, which could benefit from maximizing the use of existing physical and human resources whilst extending the geographical reach of education. This paper aims to investigate the potential for integrating a distance-learning initiative into the curriculum of Saudi female private colleges.

The research used the survey and in-depth interviews as main source of gaining data. The paper revealed interesting findings such as time and travel constraints were at the top of the list of barriers for students. It has also emerged from the interviews that there were tentative plans to develop a distance learning curriculum in the future. There seems, however, concerns regarding the way distance learning qualifications are currently perceived by the Ministry of Higher Education in this country.

Key words: distance learning, new curricula, Saudi Arabia