Concerns of Saudi Higher Education Students About Security and Privacy of Online Digital Technologies During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

Due to COVID-19, higher education institutions worldwide shifted rapidly to online learning. While a number of studies have examined students’ attitudes towards online learning in general, little research has focused on students’ concerns about security and privacy. A survey of 62 Saudi higher education students to explore their views on privacy and security concerns, particularly about using video conferencing and online chat technologies in online teaching during the pandemic. Students rated their concerns about using video conferencing for teaching, studying with other students, and using chat technologies for studying with other students as moderate. In contrast, they did not express significant concerns about using chat technologies for teaching. Open-ended responses revealed a range of concerns, including unauthorized people entering and disrupting online sessions, leaked personal information and being recorded without permission. Students did not turn on their webcams often during online teaching, indicating that they may not feel the need to do so unless the instructor requests them to do so. Most students reported that their instructors also rarely turn on their webcams while teaching. The results suggest that students are only somewhat aware of the potential privacy and security risks associated with online communication technologies. Going forward, it is important of ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect students’ privacy and security during online teaching.