E-learning practices in teaching, learning and research at Makerere University, University of Dar Es Salaam, and University of Nairobi

Abstract

The practice of e-learning in universities is here to stay. This study is a structured description of e-learning practices in Makerere University, the University of Nairobi and the University of Dar es Salaam. The practice of e-learning is taking root in these universities however, the practical indicators and utilization of the same e-learning is anecdotal. Even more, the attitude towards the use of e-learning has not enhanced its full utilization in instruction, learning and research. The study takes a qualitative design with an exploratory and descriptive focus in which instructors and students participating in e-learning in the three universities are targeted and sampled. Interviews guides, checklists, observations schedules and focus discussion group guides were designed to reach out and collect views from instructors and students concerning e-learning practice with the objective of identifying the indicators and practice of e-learning, the utilization and attitudes towards the practice of e-learning in the three universities. There is a trace of the origin of e-learning in these universities. The research discovered that the selected universities have e-learning infrastructure with instructors and students having various perceptions about e-learning. There was a basic procedure of participation in e-learning. The aim of e-learning in these universities was discovered to have a basis on improving teaching and learning. The practice of e-learning is apparent, though scanty. In addition, the attitude towards e-learning is mixed because the general context in xiv which e-learning is practiced is largely based on narrow perceptions. This has led to the under-utilization of the potential of e-learning in instruction and research. For enhanced use of e-learning in instruction and research, the indicators and practices of e-learning must be clear to all the participants. To be clearly defined is participation through harmonization of policies, which will eventually change attitude towards the practice. Enhanced practice of e-learning has a basis in teamwork by all the stakeholders. It takes patience and resilience to attain full realization of the benefit of e-learning that should be a guiding principle for the practice. Generally, more studies in e-learning are vital and will go a long way in enhancing the implementation of the e-learning projects in universities.