Training Needs of Science Teachers Using Electronic Learning Platforms with Focus on the Requirements of Distance Education

Abstract

The study aims to reveal the training needs of science teachers using electronic learning platforms with a focus on the requirements of Distance education. For this purpose, the descriptive approach has been employed. And to achieve the objectives of the study, a two-part questionnaire was developed, where the first part focuses on the samples descriptive data. The second part deals with the training needs of science teachers using electronic learning platforms in preparing and planning of science lessons electronically, implementing these lessons, and dealing with modern technologies and smart devices. The second part of the questionnaire focuses on electronic classroom management and dealing with students and evaluating students' achievement of science lessons.  The questionnaire was applied to a sample of (216) science teachers and ten science education supervisors. The results revealed that science teachers and educational supervisors in the northern border region agree that the need for training science teachers to deal with electronic learning platforms in all fields are high, amounting to 83.67% in the field of electronic preparation and planning, 86% in the field of implementing science lessons, 88% in the field of dealing with modern technologies and smart devices, and 87% in the field of electronic classroom management and dealing with students, and 87% in the field of evaluating students' achievement in science lessons.  The study recommended that the Ministry of Education adopt a set of initiatives aimed at studying the training needs of teachers in light of the priorities of science education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.