University Executes Emergency E-Learning Expansion Plan
On Monday, His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy visited the Deanship of E-Learning and inspected plans for operational readiness. The purpose was to assess capabilities in support of the digital transformation plan and requirements to initiate hundreds of online courses due to the evolving public health situation presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
During the Rector's visit, Dean of E-Learning, Dr. Fahad Al-Ahmari, confirmed that we are prepared to immediately accept more than eight hundred faculty members and nearly fifteen thousand discrete class sections under the e-learning umbrella. Training classes began immediately and are available in both Arabic and English. The Deanship of Technical Support is partnering in the integration and training efforts, which will last more than two weeks. Students are being trained on e-learning resources simultaneously.
Dean Al-Ahmari noted that existing e-learning courses will remain unchanged. Also, the effort involves changing certain e-learning classes into virtual learning environments, and replacing traditional classes with virtual learning. The Deanship of E-Learning has 210 asynchronous training videos and has now staffed an e-learning 'war room' in which four teams will support and train users 24 hours a day to help smooth the transition.
The Rector expressed his gratitude to the Deanship of E-Learning and all relevant bodies for their efforts. The Rector also met with the university IT department heads to plan for the emergency transition for both academic and administrative requirements.
In addition, Vice Rector for Educational and Academic Affairs, Prof. Saad Du'ajim, held a meeting with the deans of the colleges and university legal counsel to draw up plans for testing and grading under the transformed systems.
