Evaluating of distance education in university teaching during the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19): a case study of the geography department at Sultan Qaboos University

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the distance education process in university teaching during the lockdown of Covid 19, a case study department of geography During the COVID-19 the Department of Geography applied the distance education for three semesters. This process did not receive any scientific evaluation. Methods: The research used the analytical method using the quantitative and qualitative method, by applying a 253 questionnaire and 23 in-depth interviews.

Results: The results indicate that the most important challenges face students in the distance education process are: the weakness of the Internet, the difficulty of dealing with some platforms, the inappropriateness of the home environment, and obstacles related to the social environment. The most important negatives resulting are: health problems, lack of communication with teachers, decrease the academic level, and loss of practical training. The most important positives are: increasing students' desire for self-learning, developing students' abilities in analysis and critical thinking. Conclusion: There are factors affect the effectiveness and success of the distance education process, including physical factors e.g., technologies, the quality of the Internet, and human factors related to the social and cultural environment.