Use of Electronic Learning by Academic Staff in Makerere University through Tornatzky and Fleischer’s Technology Organization Environment Framework.

Abstract

The study sought to establish the relationship between the technological context (TC), organizational context (OC), environmental context (EC) and the use of e-learning (UEL). Cluster sampling was used to select academic staff from Makerere University who served as the respondents by filling in self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis at the univariate level was based on relative frequencies and descriptive statics such a means, medians and Ranges. The study discovered that TC, OC and EC were found to be significant predictors of UEL. It was concluded that TC, OC and EC were important in the enhancement of UEL in Makerere University. The recommendations made include that; the University Administration ought to improve the technological context in order to enhance the use of e-learning within by the academic staff in the university. They should make sure that each college; has enough hardware and software for elearning; employ ICT to support its academic, financial and administrative functions. The University Administration ought to improve on organizational context in order to enhance the use of e-learning by the academic staff in the university. They should make sure each college; is guided by the a strategic plan when implementing ICT; ensures that e-learning progress according to a strategic plan; and produces new ideas for process re-engineering through the implementation of strategic ICT plans. They should make sure each top manager in the different colleges believes that; the existence of ICT systems positively influence the college operating performance; ICT investments and expenditures are worthwhile; and that ICT has potential strategic value to the colleges. The University Administration ought to improve on environmental context in order to enhance the use of e-learning by the academic staff in the University. They should make sure that in the respective colleges; conflicts rarely occur between the academic staffand their clients (i.e. students); academic staff are willing to continue cultivating positive relationships with their clients (i.e. students); e-learning is promoted to satisfy demands of clients (i.e., students); e-learning is taken as a competitive tool; the promotion of e-learning is a trend everyone takes seriously.