Background: paper intends to explore students’ perceptions of virtual learning amidst COVID-19. It also elicits information about an alternative e-learning strategy which is perhaps the only option left after an official call for social distancing. The research was initially undertaken to find out the pedagogic relevance of virtual learning as a novel teaching strategy. Hence it is essential to mention that King Abdul-Aziz university-Jeddah has been utilizing technology and e-learning/blended learning technique for around 11 years. Method of the study The study is qualitative-descriptive. Data collected through an adapted questionnaire was qualitatively analysed to achieve the research objectives. The sample was taken from a government university in Saudi Arabia. Findings & Conclusions The results show that many students think distance or e-learning was a good experience. However, they felt a lot other personal, pedagogic and technical issues. All of them agreed that distance learning as a mode of education could be both useful and innovative, yet it poses many challenges during successful implementation for achievement of objectives. Implications Based on the findings the researcher recommends that distance learning can be made more relevant, effective and quality - oriented if teachers are well trained, students are motivated and administration is supportive.

Dr Intakhab Alam Khan."Learners’ Perception of Virtual Learning Amidst COVID-19 ". International Journal of Computer Engineering In Research Trends (IJCERT), ISSN:2349-7084, Vol.7, Issue 06,pp.19-28, June - 2020, URL:http://ijcert.org/ems/ijcert_papers/V7I603.pdf,

Adler, R. W., Milne, M. J. & Stablein, R. Situated motivation: An empirical test in an accounting class. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 18(2), 101-116,2001.                                                                               Al-Asmari, A.R. Evaluating the Prospects of Integrating Technology in Pre-service EFL Teacher Training. Arab World English Journal. 2(2)133–166.2011                                            
Al-Qahtani AAY, Higgins SE. Effects of traditional, blended and e-learning on students_ achievement in higher education. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 29(3)220–234,2013                                                         
Al-Shehri AM. E-learning in Saudi Arabia: To E or not to E, that is the question. J Family Community Med. 17(3)147–150,2010
Allo, M.D.G. Is the online learning good in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic? The case of EFL learners, Jurnal Sinestesia, Vol. 10(1), 2020
(https://sinestesia.pustaka.my.id/journal/article/view/24 1)
Benbunan-Fich, R. & Starr, R. H. Mediators of the effectiveness of online courses. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 46(4), 296-312,2003.                  
Brass, K. Pushing E-learning. Sales and Marketing Management, 154(3), 56,2002.                                                           
Burke, L. A. & Moore, J. E. A perennial dilemma in OB education: Engaging the traditional student. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 2(1), 37-53,2003.   Buzzetto-More N. A. Student perceptions of various e-learning components.
Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, Vol. 4.,2008. Retrieved November 9, 2015 from www.ijello.org/Volume4/IJELLOv4p113-135Buzzetto413.pdf
Buzzetto-More, N. Student attitudes towards the integration of youtube in online, hybrid, and web-assisted courses: An examination of the impact of course modality on
perception. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching Vol. 11(1)2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015 from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol11no1/Buzzetto-
More_0315.pdf
Geiger, M. A. & Cooper, E. A. Using expectancy theory to assess student motivation. Issues in Accounting Education, 11(1), 113-125,1996.
Golladay, R., Prybutok, V. & Huff, R. Critical success factors for the online learner. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 40(4), 69-71,2000.                                    
Khan, I.A. Effectiveness of E-learning for the Teaching of English: A Study of Comparative Strategies. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 7(3): 126-27,2016                     Khan, I.A. Electronic Learning Management System: Relevance, Challenges and Preparedness, JETIR, Volume 7(5)p471, 2020
Kocur, D., & Kosc, P. E-learning Implementation in Higher Education.
Acta_Electrotechnica et Informatica, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp20-26,2009.
Mamattah, R.S. Students’ Perceptions of E-Learning. Master dissertation, Linköping University , Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, LIU-IBL/IMPALGC-A—16/005-SE, 2016.
Masrom, M. Technology acceptance model and e-learning. In: 12th International
Conference on Education, 21-24, May 2007, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of
Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
http://eprints.utm.my/5482/1/MaslinMasrom2006_Techn.pdf
McDonald, D. Improved training methods through the use of multimedia
technology. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 40(2), 17-20,1999-2000
McEwen, T. Communication training in corporate settings: Lessons and opportunities for the academe. Mid-American Journal of Business, 12(1), 49-58, 1997.
McKeachie, W.  McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.p.19,2002.  Mirza A.A. Is E-Learning finally gaining legitimacy in Saudi Arabia? Applied Computing and Informatics. 6(2),2008.
Rubin, B and Fernandes, R. “The teacher as leader: effect of teaching behaviors on class community and agreement,” International Review of Research in Open and Online Learning, vol. 14(5), 2013, http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1510/2707. 
Serwatka, J. Assessment in on-line CIS courses. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 43(3), 16-20,2003
Smart, K. L., & Cappel, J. J. Students’ perceptions of online learning: A comparative study. Journal of Information Technology Education, Volume 5, 2006. Retrieved
November 9, 2015 from http://jite.org/documents/Vol5/v5p201-219Smart54.pdf