%0 Journal Article
%T Are Students Ready to Adopt E-Learning? A Preliminary E-readiness Study of a University in the Gulf Region
%A Abdallah Tubaishat
%A Azzedine Lansari
%J International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Research
%D 2011
%I IRPN Publishers
%X As e-learning gains popularity in many Colleges and Universities worldwide, the evaluation of e-learning readiness is critical for the successful implementation of e-learning as a platform for various learning environments. Success in e-learning can be achieved by understanding the needs as well as the readiness of all stakeholders in a particular e-learning environment. This paper provides a discussion on the students¡¯ readiness and their perceptions towards the implementation of e-learning in a university located in the gulf region. The institution under study is in the beginning stages of implementing an e-learning environment for a number of its courses. Students in the College of Information Technology were volunteered to participate in this study. A survey was conducted to identify and analyze key components of e-learning readiness: technology, Internet usage, and general understanding of e-learning and culture at this institution. Study findings indicate that there is a high acceptance level in adopting e-learning in this particular institution. Results also show that a fairly high percentage of students think that e-learning could contribute positively to their learning experience. Finally, e-learning may ultimately help students build confidence in taking charge of their learning and become independent learners.
%K E-learning
%K E-readiness
%K Case Study
%K Higher Education
%K Gulf Countries
%U http://esjournals.org/journaloftechnology/archive/vol1no5/vol1no5_5.pdf