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.