Journal of Research in Didactical Sciences

Research Article

Online learning through the eyes of engineering students in the UAE

Mervat Madi 1, Souhir Chouikha 2, Panos Sphicas 3 *
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1 Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2 Faculty of English and General Studies, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3 University of Birmingham
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an unprecedented shift in educational paradigms, compelling learners worldwide to rapidly adapt to fully online modes of instruction. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), even though online teaching experimentations had existed prior to 2019, the transition to a fully remote learning modality happened abruptly, bringing up several challenges. This study specifically investigates the unique experiences of first- and second-year engineering students during this transformative period, examining their perspectives on online education, the methodologies employed, and the resulting academic outcomes. Engineering students face distinct challenges due to the hands-on, practical nature of their discipline, which often requires specialized software and laboratory work that are difficult to replicate in an online environment. A meticulous survey, addressing diverse facets of the learning experience, was administered to undergraduate engineering students. In contrast with what the researchers hypothesized and expected, engineering students showed a clear preference to online learning, mentioning comfort and flexibility as important elements, while acknowledging that maintaining focus while studying remotely was a challenge. The study sheds light on the integral role of technology, emotional support, and varying learning methodologies, revealing a complex landscape that demands tailored strategies for improved online education.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Bibliographic Info

Journal of Research in Didactical Sciences, 2025, Volume 4, Issue 1, Article No: 1

https://doi.org/10.51853/jorids/15869

Publication date: 15 Dec 2025

Online publication date: 20 Jan 2025

Article Views: 17

Article Downloads: 11

Open Access

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e-ISSN: 2997-5905