Effects of Social Media on eLearning development in the GCC

This paper is the last of a series of 3 research papers on eLearning progress, development and challenges and opportunities in the GCC (Gulf Council Countries) and more specifically in Saudi Arabia. It concludes the preliminary study on Saudi eLearning reality and attempts to provide, eventually, a thorough understanding of how Social Media influence the perception of Saudis about eLearning deployment in the country. A questionnaire, expert-reviewed and pilot-tested, was used to collect data. It appears that Saudis have increased their percentage as Social Media users and prefer a blended approach of education where the role of eLearning is enhanced. The traditional way of teaching is steel respected. As long as more Saudis go online the eLearning awareness and acknowledgement will increase accordingly.