Perceptions of physical education teachers in four GCC countries towards distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of physical education (PE) teachers in four countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates) towards distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic as well as to examine how it’s affected by the variables of the study sample. Method: A mixed research design was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data. Study data were collected using an electronic questionnaire with close-ended questions, semi-structured interview using Microsoft Teams platform. The participants (n= 360) were physical education teachers in four GCC countries, and they were chosen randomly. Results: The study showed that PE teachers in the four GCC countries had positive perceptions towards distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant difference in the perceptions of PE teachers towards distance learning due to country. There was no significant difference in the perceptions of PE teachers towards distance learning due to school level. There was a significant difference in the perceptions of PE teachers towards distance learning due to teaching experience. Distance learning in PE setting has advantages and disadvantages. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the perceptions of physical education teachers in the four GCC Countries towards distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic were mostly positive.