Bridging the Digital Gap in Algerian Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities of E-Learning at Oran1 Ahmed Ben Bella University

Abstract

As Algerian universities transitioned to remote learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the challenges faced by students in e-learning environments has become crucial to discern the specific hurdles and subsequently address them. To gain insights into these obstacles, an online questionnaire was conducted among undergraduate students belonging to the Department of the Arabic Language and Literature at Oran1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, comprising a total of 182 participants. The present descriptive research yielded a number of satisfactory results, indicating that students have the ability and adaptability to cope with e-learning, especially when addressing the obstacles encountered by the majority of the learners, notably: poor Internet connectivity, lack of training, procrastination and insufficient engagement on the part of some learners. In addition to identifying these challenges, the study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of e-learning tools and platforms used during the remote learning period. The results suggest that although students faced technical and motivational difficulties, many of them developed autonomous learning skills and demonstrated a positive attitude toward digital education. However, the lack of continuous technical support and limited interaction with instructors were reported as factors that negatively affected learning outcomes. The findings also reveal disparities in students’ access to digital resources, which influenced their level of participation and academic performance. These results underline the importance of institutional support, teacher training, and the integration of interactive teaching strategies to enhance students’ engagement. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for sustainable e-learning policies that address both technological and pedagogical dimensions in order to improve the overall quality of higher education in Algerian universities.