E-learning influence in developing future employment skills for undergraduates in Oman

Abstract

E-learning is a relatively recent concept as an educational system that enhances students' learning and teaching environments by making them more functional and skill-oriented. Accordingly, in Oman, most studies that investigate the relationship between education, employability, and skills have emphasised the importance of enhancing the skills of higher education students, because the skills of most graduates do not fulfil market expectations. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which E-learning plays a significant role in developing and enhancing the skills of university students in Oman in order to prepare them for future employment, as perceived by the stakeholders. The sample of students and graduates from colleges of technology in Oman and the research framework have been designed in accordance with the study’s aim and objectives. The existing gaps were identified in the research context and formed the basis of the researcher’s questions and justifications. The conceptual framework was produced in the early stages of the investigation to arrange the research ideas and fulfil the research purpose of this study. The research employs a mixed method approach by conducting the first stage of the investigation through semi-structured interviews with a variety of stakeholders from labour market, education, and government sectors. The collected data were used to measure the extent of the skills gap between colleges and the labour market and the role of E-Learning in developing student skills. The next stage of the investigation was to understand how E-learning can be used to bridge the existing skills gap by exploring the E-learning dimensions of use, features, quality, and support in developing student skills. These scopes were measured through the E-learning different elements and the theoretical frameworks of IS Theories. An online survey questionnaire was administered to students, lecturers, E-learning coordinators, and technical support staff in colleges of technology in Oman. The findings of this research indicated that although student skills improvement is overall positive, among Omani graduates, however, the results confirmed that new graduates lack communication, IT literacy, and English language skills as well as other essential soft and interpersonal skills. In terms of E-learning as an educational service within the college system, the stakeholders see it as an important and effective instrument in making the students’ educational environment more valuable and functional to provide students with more opportunities to develop their skills. The findings confirmed that E-learning will continue to play an important role in skills training and social influence, facilitating conditions, and digital literacy can all have a positive effect on user behavioural intention, yet all stakeholders must align their goals and objectives for the professional growth of Omani students to meet the market demands.