Faculty perspectives on a pedagogical shift: A qualitative analysis of e-learning adoption in an Omani university

Raya Al Maamari, Hanan Al-Khatri and Ali Al Nuaimi
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

In recent years, as e-learning continues to prominence in educational settings, understanding faculty perceptions becomes imperative for effectively implementing and enhancing digital learning environments. Our qualitative analysis delves into the nuanced perspectives of faculty members towards e-learning, aiming to uncover underlying attitudes, challenges, and opportunities that shape their engagement with this mode of instruction. Drawing upon focus groups of faculty staff from the College of Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, our study used thematic analysis to reveal a range of attitudes among faculty, ranging from enthusiastic embrace to caution. This research highlights the complex interplay between individual experiences and institutional contexts in shaping faculty perceptions of e-learning. Challenges such as technological barriers, concerns about pedagogical effectiveness, and workload implications emerged as recurrent themes, underscoring the importance of tailored support mechanisms and professional development initiatives. Insights gleaned from this research can inform strategies for enhancing faculty buy-in, fostering innovation, and ultimately optimising the effectiveness of e-learning initiatives in contemporary educational settings.
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Authors: Dr Raya Al Maamari is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. She is a published researcher, journal reviewer, and international speaker. Her expertise includes International social work, social work in disasters, digital social work, and social work with older adults. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1355-9380 Email: r.mamari@squ.edu.om Dr Hanan Al-Khatri (corresponding author) specialised in Architecture (Science). Motivated by the climatic and social background impact, her research focuses mainly on understanding the thermal comfort demands in the Arabian region. Her editorial experience includes membership in journals and books editorial boards and editing special issues and conference proceedings. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0886-7253 Email: khatri@squ.edu.om Professor Ali Al Nuaimi specialised in structural engineering. He has extensive experience in academia and industry in areas related to structural design, construction management, and administration of contracts. He published more than 75 journal and proceedings articles. He has supervised or co-supervised 3 PhD students and about 20 MSc students. Email: alnuaimi@squ.edu.om Please cite as: Al Maamari, R., Al-Khatri, H. & Al Nuaimi, A. (2025). Faculty perspectives on a pedagogical shift: A qualitative analysis of e-learning adoption in an Omani university. Issues in Educational Research, 35(2), 481-502. http://www.iier.org.au/iier35/al-maamari.pdf