Acceptance of E-learning as a Mode of Study among University of Nairobi Students Amidst COVID -19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has aroused interest in the education sector to explore full potential of online learning mode of study. This has been catapulted by the unabated spread of the Corona Virus in the year 2020. With more restrictions in terms of social distancing as preventive measure, e-learning mode of study remains the most viable option for the education sector. In line with this, the University of Nairobi has encouraged all colleges to adopt the online mode of study. This study, therefore aimed at seeking students’ views on perceptions on utilization of online learning as a mode of study. This study adopted cross-sectional survey research design and used questionnaires in the Google Forms format to reach out to students in the ODeL (Open Distance and Electronic Learning.) campus of the University of Nairobi. Cross-sectional survey research design was instrumental in this study to collect data from students at different levels of learning. The design employed use of questionnaires in data collection which was converted to Google Forms and sent to students through emails and WhatsApp groups. This instrument was modified from a previous tool developed and used by Poon, Low and Yong (2004). The total number of students who responded to this study were 244 drawn from all four-level of study at the University of Nairobi, ODeL campus. Results from this study showed that the online learners in ODeL had a moderate acceptance level of the online learning and that learners are yet to fully own and accept e-learning mode of study. All efforts should be explored to make this mode more acceptable through more direct communication with learners.