Technical Barriers of Information Technology to Prevent Growth of Primary Public Schools in Saudi Arabia - Research Paper Example

E Learning Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Chapter: Methodology 3 Research Objective 3 Research Questions 4 Research Framework 4 Research Hypothesis 5 Research Approach 6 Research Design 7 Target Population 9 Sampling Method 10 Data Collection Instrument 10 Questionnaire 10 Interview 11 Delphi Technique 11 Pilot Test 12 Data Collection Approach 13 Data Analysis Procedure 13 Time Scale for Research 14 Reliability, Validity and Limitation of the Research Study 16 Reliability 16 Validity 17 Limitations 17 Ethical Consideration 18 References 19 Chapter: Methodology Research Objective In this research study, the objective is to review and identify the technical, personal, administrative and financial barriers of the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia, which is preventing the success of e-learning. This particular research study has been conducted to examine the technical barriers of information technology (IT), which is preventing the growth of primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, personal barriers are also initiating problems for the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. The study has also emphasised towards the administrative barriers and financial barriers, which are introducing several challenges for the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia and preventing in the implementation of e-learning in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. The aims of this particular research study are highlighted below: To identify the technical barriers of e-learning in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia, To recognize the personal barriers of e-learning in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia, To ascertain the administrative barriers of e-learning in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia, To determine the financial barriers of e-learning in primary public school in Saudi Arabia. Research Questions The prime aim of this particular research study is to determine how the primary public schools of Saudi Arabia are facing the problems in adopting e-learning. Based on these particular research aims, the different research questions have been framed, which are depicted below: What are the technical barriers that prevent e-learning success in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia? What are the personal barriers that prevent e-learning success in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia? What are the administrative barriers that prevent e-learning success in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia? What are the financial barriers that prevent e-learning success in primary public schools in Saudi Arabia? Research Framework The prime aim of the research study is to determine the technical, personal, administrative, and financial barriers, which are affecting the success of the e-learning process in the primary public schools of Saudi Arabia. Based on this particular research aim, a research framework has been formulated with the aim of having a better understanding about process based on which the research methodology will be conducted. The research framework is provided hereunder. Independent Variable (IV) V1: Technical Barriers V2: Personal Barriers V3: Administrative Barriers V4: Financial Barriers Dependent Variable (DV) V5: E-learning Success Research Propositions Fig. 1: Research Propositions Research Hypothesis Based on the conceptual model, the following hypotheses are examined. H0: Technical barriers, personal barriers, administrative barriers and financial barriers do prevent the success of e-learning in primary public schools of Saudi Arabia. H1: Technical barriers, personal barriers, administrative barriers and financial barriers do not prevent the success of e-learning in primary public schools of Saudi Arabia. Research Approach A quantitative approach is a specific educational research method through which a researcher can decide about what to study and what to be analysed. Moreover, it suggests how to do the research more specifically by considering the research questions. In addition, it is highly essential to collect quantifiable data from the participants in order to have a better understanding of the research objective. This research approach also assists to identify the outcome of the research more accurately. Thus, during data analysis, it is highly essential to use SPSS program to conducts the inquiry in an unbiased manner. Rationally, it can be claimed that this particular research approach has been chosen for the study, as the research method seems to be quite reliable in nature. Apart from this, through the incorporation of this research method, several complexities of the research method can be reduced while conducting the research study. At the same time, in a quantitative research methodology, it is highly essential to identify the problems of the research study. In this regard, a quantitative approach has been undertaken in this research study, as the approach is appropriate for having a better understanding about the problem related to e-learning prevention in the primary public schools of Saudi Arabia (Kolb, 2012; Roshan & Deeptee, 2009). In this context, it is highly essential to review the literature. In review of literature, it is necessary to review quality sources, which are relevant to the subject matter of the research study. Moreover, it is quite essential to review peer-reviewed journals, articles and books. Simultaneously, in order to identify the accurate data regarding the primary public schools of Saudi Arabia, it is vital to gather data from governmental websites and education departments, which are recently published. Moreover, gathering data from the primary sources will also enhance the adequacy of the research study. In this regard, it is essential to conduct a questionnaire survey among the teachers in the primary schools of Saudi Arabia, who are directly or indirectly involved with the education system of the country. It is in this context that a semi-structured questionnaire survey has been conducted via survey monkey website. Subsequently, the data collected from the primary and secondary data sources are analysed and interpreted for accomplishing the research objectives (Kolb, 2012; Roshan & Deeptee, 2009). Research Design In this research study, a specific research design or process has been followed in order to control its effective completion within a determined timeframe. The research study comprised a series of activities, which were perceived to be necessary in order to conduct the entire study in an effective and appropriate manner. The research design consisted of six phases, which have been described hereunder. Fig. 2: The Steps Involved in the Research Design Source: (Fischler School, n.d.) As can be observed from the above diagram, the first phase was aimed to identify the research problem. In this research study, the research problem was identified as the determination of the factors relating to technical, personal, administrative and financial barriers that are preventing the success of e-learning in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. In the second phase, different literatures were reviewed in order to obtain a critical understanding of the research subject. In this context, the literature review process has been conducted on various secondary sources including peer-reviewed articles, academic journals and industry reports. The research objective was identified in the third phase, which has been concentrated to determine the factors accountable for the preventing e-learning in the education system especially in the primary public schools. The fourth phase focused on the collection of adequate data, which were collected from both primary and secondary methods. Notably, the required primary data was collected from semi-structured interview conducted on primary teachers in Saudi Arabia. In the fifth phase, the collected data have been analysed through the application of a quantitative approach. The data analysis has been performed with the use of the SPSS program. In the last and sixth phase, the information obtained from the analysis of the data is evaluated. After in-depth analysis of the collected data, the research objectives are accomplished by discussing the research problem (Kumar, 2010; Munhall & Chenail, 2008; Fischler School, n.d.). Target Population In order to conduct the questionnaire survey, the questionnaire has been specifically framed for the teachers of the primary public school in Saudi Arabia between the age group of 20-60 years. This is mainly because e-learning process is highly associated with the education system currently observed in the country. At the same time, teachers of the primary public schools have the experience regarding technical, personal, administrative, and financial barriers in the education system relation to e-learning of the country. In this context, the sample size for the research study has been based on the teachers in the primary public school in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the sample size for this research study has been 400 respondents. A sample size of 400 respondents has been selected with the aim of obtaining appropriate information about the factors that are preventing the success of e-learning in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia (Fox & et. al., 2009; Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007). Sampling Method In case of quantitative research approach, sampling is an essential factor through which it can be possible to recognize the exact sample size. Apart from this, sampling framework also helps to identify the target population of a research (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007). In this particular research study, a random sampling framework has been applied in order to identify the technical, personal, administrative and financial barriers, which has been affecting the success of e-learning process in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007). Justifiably, it can be claimed that this particular sampling approach is regarded as one of the effective approaches through which it can be possible to access huge figure of data within a specific time period. Apart from this, the ‘random sampling’ approach has been taken into consideration in this research study for conducting the research study in a cost effective manner. Moreover, random sampling approach has been implemented in this research study with the intention of minimising biasness and maintaining ethnicity (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007). Data Collection Instrument Questionnaire In order to attain the above stated research aims along with objectives of the research study, certain questions have been framed for the teachers in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. In this regard, the questionnaire has been framed in such a way that the impact of the technical barriers, personal barriers, administrative barriers and financial barriers can be ascertained more accurately. The questionnaire comprises both open ended and close ended questions. In addition, it has been ascertained that the questions framed in the questionnaire are free from personal and embarrassing questions. The questions are ascertained to be clear, so that the questions are answered in an understandable manner. The questionnaire survey has been conducted via survey monkey website (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007). Interview A semi-structured interview is a process of conducting an interview where both respondents and interviewers provide as well as receive information. In general, semi-structured interview is identified to be based on two-way communication. In this research study, a semi-structured interview has been conducted, so that relevant information can be obtained from the survey. Delphi Technique The Delphi technique is a specific method through which it can be possible to achieve a union of opinion about a specific issue in a research. This technique is widely acceptable due to its effectiveness in terms of gathering data from respondents regarding the subject matter of the research. Moreover, this technique is designed in such manner, which assists to explore assumptions of the research including the judgment of the research study. In this research study, the Delphi technique has been used for anonymity, where the responses obtained from the questionnaire are ensured privacy. In this context, it can be claimed that in this particular research study, the Delphi technique has been used with 5 experts, who have assisted in controlling and managing the feedback for interaction. As a positive effect, the Delphi technique has reduced the problem associated with complex analytical technique. At the same time, it has been witnessed that the efficiency has been enhanced in terms of group communication process. Moreover, the implementation of the Delphi technique has ascertained in managing cost and time (Hsu, 2007; Yousuf, 2007). Pilot Test In this research study, a semi-structured questionnaire survey has been conducted with 10 respondents who are teachers in primary public school of Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, a face-to-face interview has been conducted on the basis of framed questionnaire. The data pilot testing approach has been adopted in this research study with the aim of identifying the key information regarding the research topic. In this regard, pilot test approach has been applied for gathering the feedback from the respondents through a semi-structured interview for reducing the uncomfortable feeling and negligence of the respondents as identified in most of the cases of a field test. Moreover, the uses of pilot test have assisted in conducting hypothesis testing appropriately. At the same time, pilot testing increased the chances of obtaining clear idea about the outcome of the research study. With the assistance of this pilot testing, it has been possible to analyse the statistical data in a procedural manner, which enhanced the effectiveness of the research study. In this regard, the behaviour of the respondents regarding e-learning process has been identified successfully (University of Illinois Springfield, 2013; Center for Evaluation and Research, 2011). Data Collection Approach Data collection is considered to be an essential element in research study, which assists in obtaining the required information in order to accomplish the aimed objectives in a proficient manner. High quality data is required to be collected in a systematic procedure with the aim of obtaining an advanced knowledge for the evaluation of a particular research issue. Data collection approach aids in obtaining valuable data from primary as well as secondary sources (Namey & et. al., 2007). In this research study, the data has been gathered from both the primary and secondary sources. In order to collect primary data, a questionnaire survey has been conducted in relation to the subject matter of the research study. The questionnaire survey has been conducted through a semi-structured interview. The interview was conducted on the teachers of the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. The primary data collected were therefore based on the feedbacks of the 400 respondents in response to the interview. On the other hand, secondary data has been gathered by reviewing the academic literature such as peer reviewed journals, books and articles among others. Additionally, Saudi Arabian education departmental reports and news have been also taken into consideration. Data Analysis Procedure In order to determine and evaluate whether the technical, personal, administrative, and financial barriers have affected the success of e-learning process in primary public school in Saudi Arabia, this research study has incorporated certain effective instruments to identify the appropriate outcome of the research study. A questionnaire survey has been conducted among the teachers of the primary public school in Saudi Arabia with the aim of identifying the thought of the local populace regarding the barriers of the e-learning process as well as the opportunity of the e-learning process. Accordingly, a quantitative research approach has been adopted for analysing the collected with better accuracy and measures. In this context, SPSS program has been used for analysing the data significantly. SPSS program is recognised as a ‘Statistical Package for the Social Sciences’, which is specifically used for generalizing data. Moreover, with the assistance of the SPSS program, it was possible to improve the effectiveness of the data management. At the same time, the SPSS program assisted in analysing wide range of data systematically. The SPSS program also considered certain analytical techniques that include ‘Mean’, ‘t-test’, ‘ANOVA’, ‘Correlation’ and ‘Linear regression’ during the data analysis process, which assisted to obtain accurate outcome from the collected data (Jones, 2002). Time Scale for Research A timeline has been developed with the intention of conducting this research study in a systematic manner. In this regard, first of all the issues of the research study have been identified. In this regard, a short research has been conducted in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia to identify the research issue more speciously. Moreover, secondary research has been conducted by reviewing peer-reviewed journals, articles and books among others. Then a questionnaire has been framed to collect data from the teachers of the primary public schools of Saudi Arabia in relation to the research issue. After framing the questionnaire, a short survey has been conducted in order to determine a suitable statistical technique. Apart from this, literature review has been conducted, in order to have an in-depth understanding of the research study. Moreover, feedbacks of the teachers have been collected in order to develop a theoretical framework for the research study. Finally, after the feedback has been collected, the entire process has been reviewed before submitting the final report. Accordingly, approximately six months have been spent in order to complete the research study relating to the barriers of e-learning process in the primary public schools in Saudi Arabia. The time scale of the research has been depicted below: Stages of Conducting Research Project Number of Days/Weeks Needed Refining the selected topic 1 Days Conducting a short research about the identified issue 20 Days Undertaking further research of the issue 15 Days Framing research objectives 10 Days Obtaining feedback from the supervisor 7 Days Necessary modifications after feedback 7 Days Conducting literature review 25 Days Undertaking an in-depth study to develop a theoretical framework for the research 35 Days Data collection 15 Days Data analysis 10 Days Obtaining feedback from the supervisor 6 Days Necessary modifications after feedback 6 Days Making findings and recommendations 10 Days Checking for any probable error 13 Days Final Submission 180 Days (6 Months) Reliability, Validity and Limitation of the Research Study Reliability In is highly essential to maintain reliability of the research study for maintaining the significance of the results of the research study. In this regard, it can be asserted that by maintaining reliability of the research study, accurate outcome can be obtained. Thus, in this particular research study, reliability has been maintained in case of primary data collection as well as secondary data collection (Halai, 2006). In the primary data collection, questionnaire survey has been conducted. In this regard, utmost focus has been considered during questionnaire survey to ensure the reliability of the research study by maintaining privacy of the respondents. In addition, the researchers emphasized to obtain proper consent from the respondents. Moreover, responses of the respondents have been kept confidential for future reference. The responses obtained from the respondents are stored in electronic devices for preserving data (Halai, 2006). On the other hand, the reliability of the secondary data collection has been maintained significantly. In this context, in order to maintain the reliability of the secondary data, recently published as well as peer-reviewed journals and articles have been taken into consideration. Moreover, in order to ensure the reliability of the research study varied literatures has been reviewed (Halai, 2006). Validity Similarly, during the research study, utmost attention has been provided to ensure the validity of the research study. To validate the questionnaire used for this study, the structured questionnaire was tested on the parameters of precision, understand ability and its applicability to the research issue, by conducting a sample survey on 30 respondents. The obtained results revealed that the respondents were able to understand the questions adequately and deliver feedbacks in relevance to the research issue. In order to identify that this particular research study has reviewed suitably, several recently published peer-reviewed journals, books and educational reports along with government websites were used. During reviewing and data gathering process, this particular study has considered all the rational aspects with the aim of drawing a valid conclusion of the research study. Similarly, by applying the SPSS program for the analysis of gathering data, validity has been maintained more significantly (Halai, 2006). Limitations This particular research study has been based on a quantitative research approach, which is considered as reliable for the study of statistical information (King & Horrocks, 2010; Munhall & Chenail, 2008). Apart from this, this research study was based on only one research approach i.e. quantitative research methodology and the qualitative research approach has not been applied. In relation to this, it can be claimed that this is the most significant limitation for this research study, where incorporation of both the research approach may identify the most appropriate outcome of the research topic (Stevens & et. al., 2012; Neelankavil, 2007). Ethical Consideration Ethics is one of the most essential aspects in case of conducting a research study, which ensures smooth execution and most vitally completion of a research study within a specific time period. Thus, in this research study, ethical considerations have been taken into consideration while conducting the research study. In this regard, one of such ethical consideration that has been maintained during obtaining the primary data was free consent of the respondents. Apart from this, at the time of gathering data from the survey, legal obligations have been taken into consideration. During conducting the interview, the consent of the interviewees was kept confidential. Similarly, gathered information was used only for the research purpose. In this regard, consent form has been drafted for different participants to ensure the ethical concern of the research study (Ravondran, 2009). Moreover, to the participants were also asked not to provide their personal details, so that the data cannot be traced back to them, if the data falls into wrong hands. All the collected data has been destroyed after conducting the data analysis and completion of the research study. The questionnaire has been scanned and stored in a secure computer system, where the physical questionnaire papers were destroyed to ensure utmost data security (Yusuke, 2013). Moreover, in order to maintain the ethics during the research study, confidentiality has been maintained more significantly. Apart from this, during conducting the review of literature, reliable and quality sources have been used, where the consent of the owners of the documents or the authorized person were obtained (Snyder, 2012). References Center for Evaluation and Research, 2011. Pilot Testing Data Collection Instruments. Tobacco Control Evacuation Center, pp. 1-2. Fischler School, No Date. Quantitative Research Methods. NOVA Southeastern University. [Online] Available at: http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/Resources/uploads/app/35/files/ARC_Doc/quantitative_research_methods.pdf [Accessed November 12, 2014]. Fox, N. & et. al., 2009. Sampling and Sample Size Calculation. The NIHR Research Design Service for Yorkshire & the Humber, pp. 1-41. Halai, A., 2006. Ethics in Qualitative Research: Issues and Challenges. The Aga Khan University, Vol. 4, pp. 1-13. Hsu, C., 2007. The Delphi Technique: Making Sense of Consensus. Practical Assessment Research Evaluation, Vol. 12, Iss. 10, pp. 1-8. Jones, S., 2002. Rewriting the Word: Methodological Strategies and Issues in Qualitative Research. Journal of College Student Development, Vol. 43, No. 4, pp.461-474. King, N. & Horrocks, C., 2010. Interviews in Qualitative Research. Saga Publications. Kolb, S. M., 2012. Grounded Theory and the Constant Comparative Method: valid Research Strategies for Educators. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy studies, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 83-86. Kumar, R., 2010. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE. Munhall, P. L. & Chenail, R. J., 2008. Qualitative Research Proposals and Reports: A Guide National League for Nursing Series. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Neelankavil, J. P., 2007. International Business Research. M.E. Sharpe. Namey, E. & et. al., 2007. Data Reduction Techniques for Large Qualitative Data Sets. Stanford, 137-163. Onwuegbuzie, A. J. & Leech, N. L., 2007. Sampling Designs in Qualitative Research: Making the Sampling Process More Public. The Qualitative Report, Vol. 12, Iss. 2, pp. 238-254. Ravondran, A., 2009. Operations Research Methodologies. CRC Press. Roshan, B. & Deeptee, P. R., 2009. Justifications for qualitative research in organizations: A Step Forward. The Journal of Online Education, pp. 1-7. Snyder, C., 2012. A Case Study of a Case Study: An Analysis of a Robust Qualitative Research Methodology. Qualitative Report, Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. 20-32. Stevens, R. E. & et. al., 2012. The Essentials of Marketing Research. Routledge. Yousuf, M. I., 2007. The Delphi Technique. Essays in Education, Vol. 20, pp. 80-89. Yusuke, M., 2013. Rethinking a Case Study Method: A Comparative Analysis Method in Qualitative Research. Japan International Year Book, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 87-90. University of Illinois Springfield, 2013. Advantages of a Pilot Study. Planning Research Papers 7, pp. 1-2. Read More