Using Blackboard in Online Learning at Saudi Universities : Faculty Member's Perceptions and Existing Obstacles

As online learning environment is growing among universities worldwide including developing countries, still, there are some difficulties that might interrupt the implementation of this environment; such as : Technological difficulties and/or Skills lacking. The aim of this research was to identify the obstacles are facing these faculty member in using Blackboard as a blended learning system. And recognized the perceptions of faculty members who involved in e-learning programs and trained to use the blackboard in Education. The sample surveyed in this study was 360 faculty member and instructors at King Saud University (Riyadh), King Khaled University (Abha) and Taif UniversityCollege of Education. Descriptive methodology has involved analysis of the implemented online system at these universities and how faculty member are interacting with that. The main obstacles found in the study were: Lack of needed training and experience in using ICT (Information & Communication Technology) – lack of internet signal that interrupts continuous connection and smooth communication and lack of encouragement and restricted rules that oblige faculty member to develop their technological skills, the experience in using ICT especially in producing electronic materials such as: recording lectures via Echo application, upload videos on YouTube channel, slide share, flicer..etc.