Adoption Of E-Learning in tourism and hospitality training in Kenyatta and Moi Universities

Abstract

The use of Information Communication Technology (lCTs) has permeated every aspect of human life, in education, health, financial, governance and entertainment sectors. ICT has increased the supply of information and overcome the constraints of distance and geographical barriers making the world a Global Village. Hence the use of e-learning systems is slowly being adopted in institutions of learning. However, as an emerging current delivery approach that auguments learning experiences by integrating multimedia and network technologies, effective use of the method along with instructor attitudes, e-learning facilities particularly in Kenyatta and Moi Universities remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which e-learning has been adopted as a mode of delivery in two public Kenyan Universities. The objectives were to establish the extent of adoption of e- learning in the teaching of tourism and hospitality programmes in Kenyatta and Moi Universities, determine stakeholder aspirations on the use of e-learning as a mode of instruction in the teaching of Tourism and Hospitality Programmes in the two Universities, establish challenges facing the implementation of e-learning in the teaching of Tourism and Hospitality programmes, and determine the attitudes and perceptions of tourism students towards e-leaning as a mode of instruction in the teaching of Tourism and Hospitality. The study was guided by Diffusion and Innovation theory. A sample size of 120 students and six key informants Directors Institute Of Open and Distance Learning (IODL), ICT and the Deans from the two Universities were used in the study using questionnaire surveys and interview. Both purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select the respondents’ students and staff. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where descriptive and inferential tests were undertaken including percentages, t-tests and chi squares tests to compare between variables. The results showed that adoption of e-learning in the teaching of tourism and hospitality was effective, accurate, relevant information and provision of adequate e-learning materials, easy login and access to modules and communication online has helped learning experience. According to the stakeholders' aspirations, the use of e-learning will make studying easier, cheaper and increase interaction among students, and will improve relationship between students and lecturers were issues of concern. As for the attitudes and perceptions of tourism students towards e-learning, the platform has increased student/lecturer interaction, the platform is user friendly, learning experience is flexible, bandwidth sustains all the online activities, convenience is an important feature of E-learning and gives opportunity to acquire new knowledge were the issues addressed. In conclusion, the adoption of e-Iearning in the teaching of tourism and hospitality is a crucial issue in the world today. Key recommendations include embracing e-learning for both staff and students and development of ICT infrastructure to benefits from this unique digital technology in Kenyan universities.