Applying Online Learning in Higher Education Institutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Field Study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reality of the experience of applying online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates during the 2019/2020 academic year by exploring the perceptions of undergraduate students at the Ajman University. The study was carried out using a descriptive method approach. The study population consisted of all students on the campus of Ajman University (n = 6620), where the sample of the study (n=1655) was taken used the random sampling method through a stratified sample technique. After verifying its validity and reliability, the researchers prepared a questionnaire, as a tool for the study, consisting of forty (40) items to achieve the objectives of the study. The results indicated that the readiness, training, and technical support for applying online learning of UAE universities during the Covid-19 pandemic, from the perspective students, came at a High level. Their perspective regarding the teaching and learning process through online learning came at a Moderate level, with regard to the challenges facing the online learning application, it came at a Moderate level, and their perspective regarding suggestions to improve the experience of online learning came at a high level. Students responses differed based on the criteria of considering the two genders with preferred to female gender, college department with inclination toward the medical student in medicine college, the skills of the students using computer skills with considering the students who have skills in using computer