Elearning
Implementation of e-Learning in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions (A Case Study of KNUST)
John Serbe Marfo University Information Technology Services Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, Ghana serbemarfo@knust.edu.gh Robert Kabutey Okine University Information Technology Services Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, Ghana rkabutey@knust.edu.gh
Abstract This study explores the implementation of e-learning in Ghanaian tertiary institutions with KNUST as a case study. The objectives of the study examined the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning to KNUST, the various types of e-learning systems considered by KNUST, the ‘Moodle’ E-learning system adopted by KNUST, the strategies involved in the e-learning system, the challenges faced by KNUST in the implementation of its elearning system along with possible solutions and finally a recommendation on critical issues to be considered for the effective implementation of the e-learning system. A descriptive study with a cross-sectional design was done. For tertiary institutions in Ghana, recommendations were made for them to adopt e-learning to augment and highly impact teaching and learning given the ever-increasing enrolment figures. It was also recommended that they chose an e-learning system which blends open source system and course management system such as Moodle due to cost, features, specifications, support and mode of course management
1. Introduction
E-learning (or online education as it is still commonly termed) has been variously defined, but can be simply described as a learning process in which learners can communicate with their instructors and their peers, and access learning materials, over the internet or other computer networks (Curran, 2004). It therefore provides a means through which the powerful and pervasive computing and communications technologies can be applied to tertiary education – and to some of the key challenges now
John Serbe Marfo University Information Technology Services Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, Ghana serbemarfo@knust.edu.gh Robert Kabutey Okine University Information Technology Services Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, Ghana rkabutey@knust.edu.gh
Abstract This study explores the implementation of e-learning in Ghanaian tertiary institutions with KNUST as a case study. The objectives of the study examined the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning to KNUST, the various types of e-learning systems considered by KNUST, the ‘Moodle’ E-learning system adopted by KNUST, the strategies involved in the e-learning system, the challenges faced by KNUST in the implementation of its elearning system along with possible solutions and finally a recommendation on critical issues to be considered for the effective implementation of the e-learning system. A descriptive study with a cross-sectional design was done. For tertiary institutions in Ghana, recommendations were made for them to adopt e-learning to augment and highly impact teaching and learning given the ever-increasing enrolment figures. It was also recommended that they chose an e-learning system which blends open source system and course management system such as Moodle due to cost, features, specifications, support and mode of course management
1. Introduction
E-learning (or online education as it is still commonly termed) has been variously defined, but can be simply described as a learning process in which learners can communicate with their instructors and their peers, and access learning materials, over the internet or other computer networks (Curran, 2004). It therefore provides a means through which the powerful and pervasive computing and communications technologies can be applied to tertiary education – and to some of the key challenges now
References: Ambient Insight, “The Worldwide Market for Self-paced eLearning Products and Services: 2009-2014 Forecast and Analysis”, Feb. 2010, Available at: http://www.ambientinsight.com/Reports/eLearning.aspx (accessed 2010 March 10) Awidi, I.T, “Developing an e-learning Strategy for Public Universities in Ghana”, EDUCAUSE Quarterly Vol. 31 No. 2, EDUCASE, 2008, pp. 66 – 69 Carliner, S., “Course Management Systems Versus Learning Management Systems”, 2005, Available at http://www.astd.org/LC/2005/1105_carliner.htm (accessed 2009 September 15) Curran, C., Strategies for e-learning in universities, Research and Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.7.04. University of California, Berkeley, 2004, Available at http://repositories.cdlib.org/cshe/CSHE-7-04 (accessed 2009 September 27) Govindasamy, T., “Successful implementation of e-learning pedagogical considerations”, Internet and Higher Education Vol. 4 No.3, 2002, pp.287-99 Heinrich, E., Milne, J., Ramsay, A., “e-Learning Support for Formative Assessment of Coursework”, EDUCAUSE Australasia Authors Papers, EDUCAUSE, Melbourne, 2007, Available at http://www.caudit.edu.au/educauseaustralasia07/authors_papers.htm (accessed 2010 March 10) Kirsh, D., “E-learning, metacognition and visual design”, paper presented at the International Conference on Advances in Infrastructure for e-Business, e-Education, e-Science, and e-Medicine on the internet, L 'Aquila, Italy, 29 July-4 August, 2002 Kruse, K., “The Benefits and Drawbacks of e-Learning”, 2004, Available at: http://www.elearningguru.com/articles/art1_3.htm (accessed 2010 March 10) Mahmud, K., “Challenges of Implementing E-learning for Higher Education in Least Developed Countries: A Case Study on Bangladesh”, International Conference on Information and Multimedia Technology, Jeju Island South Korea, 2009, pp.155-159 Muhsin, H., “The Using of E-Learning Techniques to Improve the Medical Education”, 3rd International Conference on Information & Communication Technologies: from Theory to Applications, Damascus, 2008, pp.1-5 Mutula, S.M., “E-learning initiative at the University of Botswana: challenges and opportunities”, Campus-Wide Information Systems Vol. 19 No. 3, MCB UP Ltd, 2002, pp.99-109 Peters, S., “Open Source Software Vs Proprietary Software? Tips For Technology Integration’, 2007, Available at http://ezinearticles.com/?Open-Source-Software-Vs-Proprietary-Software?--Tips-For-TechnologyIntegration&id=835437 (accessed 2010 March 10) 5. Acknowledgement We are thankful to Mr David Asamoah and Dr. K. O. Boateng of the KNUST Business School and KNUST Computer Engineering Department respectively for their guidance, criticisms, comments and contributions throughout this research. We are also grateful to all those who assisted in data collection efforts and research especially ICT Personnel at the UITS Department, KNUST - Emmanuel Afful, Abraham Brew-Sam, Joachim Azu Akute, Selasie Agbemenu- and Aristotle Ayensu of the Planning Unit, KNUST.