Evaluation of distance learning and students' achievement in Saudi Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to adopt online platforms and distance learning in most educational institutions. Multiple controversies have been discussed concerning the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. This paper explores the distance learning process in Saudi Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) compared to in-person learning. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Saudi HEIs. This study utilized an online survey tool to examine the relationship between the distance learning process and students' achievement. The participants were 189 faculty members recruited from different Saudi HEIs. The questionnaire was composed of two sections;1) section one where the demographic data of the participants were collected, and 2) section two where the participants' perspectives concerning distance learning contributions, in-person learning contributions, feelings about distance learning, and experience after distance learning were reported. Based on their viewpoints, there is no important difference between distance learning and in-person sessions based on students' achievement levels. Additionally, there was no difference in faculty members' experiences when they used online platforms during the distance learning process. Our results demonstrate that academic institutions may consider training the faculty members to use technology and online platforms in lectures, communication with students, and other academic activities. © 2021 IEEE.

Teaching Undergraduate Software Engineering: Xamarin Mobile App Development During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The CS 4204 Software Engineering instructor was tasked with finding distance alternatives in teaching undergraduate face-to-face lab sessions in the fall 2020 semester. This was due to university policies established during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study describes teaching the course lab sessions utilizing Xamarin mobile app development on Mac and PC computers, with deployment to iOS and Android emulators and devices. Xamarin was chosen for flexibility as it could be used for both face-to-face and distance student learning. The teaching process is demonstrated in using stock and modified Xamarin tutorials which lead to a culminating mobile app development project. Student and instructor perceptions are discussed surrounding issues of facilitating software development instruction during the pandemic. © 2021 IEEE.