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Articles

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2021): Technology enhanced learning in the MENA region

Exploring E-Portfolio as a new technology tool in Saudi Arabian higher education: A case study

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.0e590f93
Submitted
8 August 2026
Published
15-08-2026

Abstract

The use of technology in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia is constantly evolving, especially with the educational-technology support vision called for by the Saudi government. E-portfolios are one of the innovative learning and assessment tools used in many educational institutions worldwide. Stakeholders of one private university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were introduced to the idea of e-portfolios, as part of promoting technology use in campus. The purpose of this research is to explore the readiness to adopt an e-portfolio tool and to examine its level of acceptance by students and faculties in a private Saudi university. This case study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in examining the willingness of the Saudi campus to accept e-portfolios through collecting quantitative data through questionnaires. The study also conducts a focus group of 20 students who were given the opportunity to learn about e-portfolios and create their first e-portfolios during the research study. Interviews with the university higher management were also conducted to learn more about the university’s drivers needed to adopt e-portfolios. The results of the study highlight the critical success factors that are needed to gain students’ and faculties’ acceptance of e-portfolios. Acceptance factors include technology skills and technology awareness. The study’s results also indicate that proper training and support are main drivers needed to adopt e-portfolios at the university. The study also highlights the use of adjusted elements of the TAM model and the TAM-based questionnaire built specifically for this study. Researching e-portfolios in Saudi campuses is a great opportunity to add to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technology enhanced learning research.

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