Implementation of e-learnin in higher education institutions in low bandwidth environment: a blended learning approach

Abstract

Higher Education around the world is becoming networked and fundamental changes are taking place in Higher Education Institutions. There is no geographical isolation at the university or college level. When Higher Education Institutions are in the process of implementation of e-learning, a number of factors come into play. Some factors are about the technology, others about the prospective users, still others about the local context of use and the associated costs. On the other hand there are many aspects of the socio-economic and technological environment taken for granted in developed countries that need to be explicitly addressed during technological transformation in developing countries. These include; among other things, connectivity (low bandwidth) and accessibility, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure and lack of reliable power supply. This paper reviews various factors and processes with an emphasis on university settings and after analyzing, synthesizing and making a comparative study of the frameworks and models, the paper proposes a gradual transition model for implementation of e-learning in Higher Educations Institutions in Least developed countries followed by a comprehensive framework adaptable in low bandwidth environment using a blended learning approach. Implementation process of the framework is also explained.