A generic E-Learning framework : a case study Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (CIT) Makerere University

Abstract

Advancement in Information Technology (IT) has led to better facilities and services for learning within educational organizations. Many higher educational institutions of learning have adopted technology in their learning methods in order to enhance the traditional learning method and to offer distance/purely online learning. This enhancement is in the form of management, administration, facilitation, delivery and support of the modules/courses delivered using the electronic media. Makerere University’s strategy for ICT implementation strives for use of technology during learning hence its adoption by several faculties within their teaching methods. Makerere University Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (CIT) developed a generic e-learning framework to guide it in implementing an effective blended learning process (traditional classroom and e-learning). CIT’s goal is to implement a complete e-learning program gradually by first initiating a blended learning approach. The lessons learnt from the blended learning approach would enhance implementation of a complete e-learning program. This paper describes the generic e-learning framework developed by CIT in the implementation of the blended learning approach. The framework constituents several components that are derived from the organizational environmental factors. These components include organizational policy, funding, stakeholders, services and infrastructure. The components’ constituting factors are inter networked to allow a specific learning method (blended, purely online or distance learning) to be implemented. The framework in operation is illustrated by a typical case study of blended learning in CIT.