Challenges of implementing e-learning systems in Higher Education institutions in Kenya

Abstract

When Higher Education Institutions are in the process of implementation of e-learning systems, 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. There are many aspects of socio-economic and technological environment that need to be explicitly addressed during implementation of e-learning. These include; among other things, connectivity (low bandwidth) and accessibility, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure and lack of reliable power supply. This study reviewed various factors and processes with an emphasis on university settings and after analyzing and making a comparative study of existing frameworks and models, the study proposed a conceptual framework for assessing the challenges hindering successful implementation of e-learning systems in Higher Educations Institutions in Kenyan context. The research design was a descriptive research survey. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample. Proportionate allocation of sampling fraction was used to determine the number of units to be drawn from each stratum. Simple random sampling was then exercised within the population stratum. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Reliability of the instruments was measured using Cronbach alpha established via pilot study and a reliability of more than 0.70 was considered adequate. The analysis of the collected data provided qualitative information in form of descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, correlation analysis and means. This was summarised in tables and charts and used to make inferences. The response rate was 86.7% totaling 412 respondents. Key findings revealed that good connectivity and high bandwidth as well as technical support and financial resources, adequate infrastructure, reliable power supply and acceptance to technology change were statistically significant factors that could hinder successful implementation of e-learning in HEIs. These variables emerged as recurring themes within the data and have a practical importance for the study and the results were replicated using the correlation analyses. The finding of the study showed that implementation of e-learning has not been given much priority in Kenyan universities. The study also showed that Kenyan universities are making much progress though attitude of academic staff should be improved and the staff receives more training so that their personal capability in using e-learning improves. The university administration also needs to improve the existing infrastructure and technology related to e-learning. Key Words: Information and Communication Technology, E-Learning Implementation, Using E-Learning Tools, E-Learning technology, Challenges of E-learning Implementation, E-learning Framework, Higher Education Institutions