The challenges associated with distance education in Libyan universities during the COVID 19 pandemic: Empirical study

Abstract

This study explored the challenges associated with distance education in Libyan universities during the COVID 19 pandemic from the students’ perspective. To identify such challenges, a survey was designed and used. It’s based on the five point Likert scale. Its validity and reliability were checked. The descriptive analytical approach was adopted. The purposive sampling method was used. Thus, 480 male and female students were chosenfrom four (4) universities in Libya. The survey forms were passed by email to those students. 416 forms were filled and analysed. The response rate is 86.66%. SPSS Software and descriptive statistical methods were employed for carrying out data analysis. It was found that such challenges include: faculty members’ lack of knowledge about the learning needs of students, and the lack of security associated with online assessment. Such challenges also include: the faculty members’ failure to use the right teaching strategies that fit with the nature of distance education. The researcher recommends conducting studies for exploring the training needs of faculty members in Libya. That shall improve the quality of distance education delivered during any future crisis