Perceptions towards the use of E-teaching and learning: A case of the Makerere University Electronic Learning Environment, MUELE

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the different perceptions of Lecturers and Students towards E-teaching and learning based on the Makerere University Electronic Learning Environment (MUELE) at the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning (SoDLL) and the School of Education (SoE), Makerere University. The study set out: (i) to describe the different ways in which MUELE is used as an innovation in teaching and learning (ii) to describe the different attitudes by the lecturers and students towards the use of MUELE as an innovation (iii) to describe effective strategies to improve the usage of MUELE in teaching and learning. The study being qualitative, a case study research design was utilized to collect the data and a total of 10 participants were purposively selected including; 2 Assistant Lecturers, 2 Lecturers, 3 Undergraduate Students, 2 Masters Students and 1 E-learning Administrator. The study applied interview and observation methods to collect data. The results revealed that MUELE was a very helpful and effective tool that was widely used by both Lecturers and Students as a notes repository, communication tool, and progressive assessment tool. It was also revealed on the attitude aspect towards using MUELE, that students and lectures appreciate the MUELE online platform, although the level of participation or interaction in discussion forums, quizzes was low because of inadequate digital literacy skills, over whelming work load and time schedules among others. The strategies suggested were that the University management has to deploy more internet kiosks around the university, improve internet connectivity around the university among others. In conclusion, the study recommends that there is need to institutionalize continuous mandatory orientation programmes on how to use MUELE, to recruit more E-learning mentors across the university to support E-learning activities, among others.