E- learning implementation: A survey of University of Nairobi academic staff attitudes and readiness to wards E-learning
Abstract
The advent of computers and the Internet is changing the face of education allover
the world. Institutions of learning are frantically restructuring their old instructional
methods to incorporate computers and the Internet. As mostly, used. the form of
learning that utilizes computers and the Internet for delivery, interaction, and
facilitation is e-learning. As institutions introduce e-learning, many do not receive
the benefits promised by proponents of e-learning. Studies show that quite a number
of e-learning initiatives fail.
This study investigates . the attitudes and e-learning readiness of the University of
Nairobi academic staff. The objective is to try to assess the possibility of success of
e-learning initiatives being introduced by the University of Nairobi. The study was a
survey study. Questionnaires were administered to members of academic staff of the
University of Nairobi who were available and willing to respond to the questionnaire
at the time of study. At least all the of the members of all the constituent colleges of the
University of Nairobi were represented. -.
The results obtained from the analysis indicate that 75.4% of academic staff had a
positive attitude towards e-learning. This means that they would support
e-learning initiatives being undertaken. Most members of the academic staff however
felt that the available e-learning facilities are not adequate. Of the
respondents, 73% felt the speed of Internet connection was slow for e-learning
purposes while 78% felt computer maintenance is not satisfactory. Many of them
also, felt that they needed training in the area of e-learning for them to be able to
undertake e-leaning,
In conclusion, e-learning initiatives at the University of Nairobi are likely to succeed
if certain fundamental issues are addressed. These factors include provision of more
computers, ensuring more connection of lecturers and training more staff into
e-learning skills. The University should carefully dig deeper into each area of concern and modify its strategic plan to account for or leverage the issues of concern.
Citation
A Management Research Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA), School Of Business, University Of NairobiPublisher
Business Administration