Implementation challenges of e-learning at Makerere University: a case study of the school of social sciences

Abstract

The study examined the implementation challenges of e-learning at Makerere University. The study used a descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used a sample of 100 samples as primary respondents to gather quantitative data. This comprised of students in the School of Social Sciences which were drawn from the study population. Qualitative data was collected from a sample of (05 lecturers) and (02 ICT) administrators, 02 from the school management and this was supplemented by Focus Group Discussion conducted with (8) students. Data was collecting using questionnaires, personal interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The study found that students felt that in general, e learning education was very poor. It was difficulty for the student to successfully learn through online education. There was a lot of difficulties students faced in adapting to e Learning. Most students were unfamiliar with e-Learning technology which made eLearning a challenge. Additionally, it was found that students did not know how to access learning materials from the online system. Students did not know how to access online materials such as course contents and this made it hard for them to succeed academically. The available human resources were somewhat effective in relation to the management of eLearning. There were administrative regulations streamlining the duties and responsibilities of the ICT/human resources in relation to managing and coordinating eLearning. I recommend that the university should design and implement appropriate and reliable eLearning innovation which is guided by the education and eLearning policies by putting into considerations the knowledge and skills of the target users.