Arab Educational Information Network

This study aimed to identify the extent of professional practices for heads of departments in the digital environment during "COVID-19", related to academic performance in terms of educational, administrative, and technical dimensions. It also identifies the requirements of developing these professional practices, and the differences among the study members' responses according to "gender and college" variables. The study adopted the descriptive survey approach and used the questionnaire as a study tool to collect data from (380) individuals of faculty members at King Saud University. The study shown several conclusions of which, the professional practices for heads of departments in the digital environment during "COVID-19", in terms of educational, administrative, and technical dimensions were at moderate degree, whereas the professional practices related to the administrative dimension ranked first, followed by those related to the educational dimension, and those related to the technical dimension ranked last. The study members believe that the professional practices of heads of departments in the digital environment must be developed. Finally, the study found statically significant differences among the study members' responses according to "gender and college" variables. The study made a number of recommendations, including the need to spread awareness among department heads and faculty members to develop their technical skills, as well as designing training programs for professional development in the field of digital learning environment. (Published abstract)