Adoption of E-Learning to Support Teaching and Learning in Moi University

Abstract

In recent years, there has been significant growth in the use and acceptance of e-learning in Kenyan universities including Moi University. However, adoption of e-learning in Moi University still faces many challenges chief among them being lack of research facts and policies on e-learning which has continued to negatively impact on its effective adoption. Further, they are hindered by learning management systems that are still complex for untrained end-users. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate and analyze the important components necessary for the adoption of e-learning in Moi University with a view to developing a simpler open source learning management system to support e-learning in Moi University. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the level of awareness on existence of e-learning in Moi University; find out the measures being undertaken by Moi University towards the adoption of e-learning; assess the level of available ICT and e learning infrastructure to support the adoption of e-learning; assess the level of e-learning skills of staff and students; investigate the constraints faced by the University towards the adoption of e-learning; recommend possible strategies that the University could use to enhance the adoption of e-learning; and design and develop a simpler open source learning management system to support e-learning in Moi University. The study was guided by the Theory of Transactional Distance, which is a concept describing the universe of teacher learner relationships that exist when learners and instructors are separated by space and/or by time. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Using stratified proportionate sampling, 521 respondents drawn from four Moi University campuses were selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews as research instruments. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables while qualitative data was presented by organizing it into themes and concepts. A simpler open source learning management system was designed and developed that can support e-learning in Moi University. The findings indicated that successful adoption of e-learning was dependent on many components including ICT and e-learning infrastructure; awareness and sensitization on e-learning; operational and appropriate e-learning policies; e-learning skills; learner support; financial investments on e-learning; top university management support; and adoption of a simpler learning management system. The study concluded that though the adoption of e-learning in Moi University is still in its take off and infancy stage, it holds substantial promise and opportunity to expand access to university education both within and outside its borders. The study recommends some effective strategies that Moi University could embrace which include: comprehensive sensitization and training of stakeholders in e learning; formulation of appropriate and operational e-learning policies; allocation of adequate funds to e-learning; expansion of ICT and e-learning infrastructure; collaborations and partnerships in e-learning; provision of learner support to e-learning students; using blended learning approach and piloting with few schools as a starting point; introduction of compulsory ICT and e-learning courses for students; and adoption of a simpler open source learning management system.