Education Students' Perceptions of Virtual Classrooms in Online Learning

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of female students at King Saud University’s Education College regarding virtual classrooms in online learning. A descriptive survey method was used to collect data from 268 students through a validated electronic questionnaire containing 35 items on the benefits and characteristics of virtual classrooms. Results revealed that students found the benefits of virtual classrooms as very beneficial, particularly the ability to "raise a hand," and to view presentations and recordings of previous classes. Students also expressed positive perceptions of the characteristics of virtual classrooms, emphasizing the importance of interaction, followed by usefulness and ease of use, synchronization, and finally the sense of belonging to the community. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in perceptions based on educational level. However, individual comparisons for each item showed slight variations in the importance ratings for eight advantages and six characteristics, with undergraduates generally holding more positive views than graduates. The study identified technical challenges and the need to enhance the sense of community belonging. Recommendations  include improving communication methods, increasing interaction in virtual classrooms design, and providing the necessary technical infrastructure to support online learning.