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1 – 10 of over 1000Muhammad Arsam Qazi, Muhammad Aiyaz Sharif and Ather Akhlaq
Integrating e-learning into higher education institutions (HEIs) is a complex process. Several universities had tried to impart learning online, especially amid the spread of…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrating e-learning into higher education institutions (HEIs) is a complex process. Several universities had tried to impart learning online, especially amid the spread of COVID-19. However, they failed miserably due to the many barriers to online learning platforms’ delivery and acceptance. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators in adopting e-learning in HEIs of Pakistan by taking the perspective of key stakeholders involved in the management and administration of HEIs.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors recruited participants using purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted from a variety of participants, including academicians, administrators and information technology (IT) personnel. Data recorded was transcribed into verbatim and then analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The analysis identified barriers and facilitators to the e-learning implementation. Barriers included lack of resources and training, lack of infrastructure, inadequate e-learning policies, absence of positive mindset among teachers and students and reservations and concerns about e-learning of parents and teachers. By contrast, facilitators included prior training and awareness (provided by HEIs regarding e-learning), the assistance of government and regulatory bodies (in terms of policy and training on e-learning), the role of IT (in development and implementation of online learning system) and good computer knowledge and skills of students and faculty. Moreover, respondents believed that teaching subjects online requires the availability of proper and complete gadgets, but these were hardly available due to high demand. Finally, the academicians and administrators believed that e-learning is indispensable in health emergencies such as COVID-19 and similar events ahead.
Originality/value
For the HEIs to sustain and grow, the adoption of e-learning is fundamental. Therefore, the government should provide the essential infrastructure for the HEIs to deploy e-learning modules, train faculty and ensure the availability of necessary equipment (e.g. network) and gadgets to faculty and students. From a theoretical perspective, the study provides a framework for similar future studies in other emerging markets, whereas practical implications of the study can assist the governments and HEIs of emerging markets in implementing the e-learning modes of education in times of health emergencies, such as COVID-19.
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Mohammed Hassan Makhlouf and Rawand Alani
This study aims to reveal the impact of e-learning on accounting education amid COVID-19 in Jordanian universities from the viewpoint of faculty members.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reveal the impact of e-learning on accounting education amid COVID-19 in Jordanian universities from the viewpoint of faculty members.
Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaire is used as a study instrument distributed to faculty members at the Accounting Departments of the Jordanian public and private universities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Forms has been used to distribute 117 questionnaires that have been analyzed via the partial least squares-smart program.
Findings
The results show a negative impact of learning difficulties on accounting education, a negative impact on the personal skills of faculty members on the digitization of accounting education, no impact on the personal skills of faculty members, a positive impact on training courses, the use of technology on accounting education and the digitization of accounting education, as well as a positive impact on the skills of faculty members on the digitization of accounting education.
Research limitations/implications
These results are significant in determining the adequacy of online learning for accounting education at the Accounting Departments of Jordanian public and private universities from the viewpoint of faculty members amid COVID-19.
Originality/value
This study highlights the impact of the e-learning system imposed amid COVID-19 on accounting education, teaching efficiency and the future of accounting education.
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Albanë Gashi, Genc Zhushi and Besnik Krasniqi
This paper aims at identifying crucial factors that affect student satisfaction with synchronous e-learning. For this purpose, a research model comprised of perceived usefulness…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at identifying crucial factors that affect student satisfaction with synchronous e-learning. For this purpose, a research model comprised of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), computer anxiety (CA), self-efficacy (SE), system accessibility (SA), perceived interaction (PI) and perceived flexibility (PF) was developed.
Design/methodology/approach
For the purpose of this research, an online questionnaire was used. All of the measures are adapted from previously validated instruments and adjusted to fit the research aim. Accordingly, the questionnaire resulted in 49 items, which yielded eight constructs. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling was employed on a valid sample of 263 higher education students.
Findings
According to the results, PU, PI, CA and flexibility were all found to be significant. PU demonstrated the most contribution following by PF and PI.
Research limitations/implications
Even though this study has included some critical factors theorized to influence e-learning settings, it does not incorporate all elements. In terms of sample size, a bigger sample would be more favorable. Lastly, the study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, where free movement and social activities were restricted, which may have influenced students' perception of synchronous e-learning.
Practical implications
This research contributes to a greater understanding of the student experience with synchronous e-learning, and its findings can provide relevant stakeholders, particularly e-learning practitioners, with insights into effectively adopting and improving such settings.
Originality/value
This study uses an integrated model of several constructs to investigate student satisfaction in terms of just synchronous e-learning rather than e-learning in general. Several validated instruments were used and tested in a new context and sample. Additionally, the study provides evidence during COVID-19.
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The purpose of this paper is to articulate how the user experience (UX) approach was initiated and integrated into the centre’s scope of operations with the objective of improving…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to articulate how the user experience (UX) approach was initiated and integrated into the centre’s scope of operations with the objective of improving the e-learning layout on the D2L learning management system (LMS). One of the most effective ways to collect user feedback has historically been to evaluate user interfaces using strategies from user testing. The integration of a UX approach by the Centre for ODL Experiences (COLE) at Wawasan Open University has led to a more user-oriented design of FlexLearn by conducting user testing on students as the target users of the platform and gathering course leaders’ (CLs) feedback after the presentation of the new template.
Design/methodology/approach
Since the process of design and development is a looping process, the first user testing methods employed were observation and interviews, which were conducted over the course of numerous sessions. The data collection used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative demographic and background data with qualitative feedback from open-ended questions and real-time interview responses. A standardized questionnaire gathered demographic information, while questions for feedback forms and interviews were adjusted based on specific tasks to explore usability and user interactions comprehensively.
Findings
The findings revealed overall positive feedback, with some concerns highlighted by the students who claimed to have trouble navigating the courses during the initial prototype. In addition to the qualitative data from the user testing session, a quantitative method based on an online questionnaire was also utilised for the CLs after the presentation of the final layout. Positive responses were received from the CLs, and constructive suggestions were considered for FlexLearn 3.0.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is among the first that articulates the process of initiating and integrating user-centred design in an effort to improve the user experience of online and ODL platforms and LMSs. It will contribute to a dialogue on investigating and prioritising learners’ ODL experiences to ensure education equity across all levels or categories of students, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Practical implications
The integration of UX and user testing allows us to better identify what users like, their concerns and their needs. We gain important input on how easy or difficult it is to use the system, move around it and how much they enjoy using it. This feedback helps us make changes to the design so that the final product is more in line with what users want. It also allows us to discover problems before they become major, saving time and effort later on. Finally, integrating user input improves the LMS, delivering a more fun and successful learning experience for everyone.
Social implications
User-friendly systems arise as institutions prioritise user-centred design, breaking down barriers for various learners. This develops an innovative culture, improving present learning experiences and setting a precedent for future generations. The emphasis on user demands helps to create a more accessible, adaptive and egalitarian educational landscape by connecting education with current technological trends. As education becomes more inclusive, the broader community benefits, emphasising the beneficial social impact of LMS user testing.
Originality/value
By articulating the process of integrating user testing on an LMS/e-learning prototype, helps us understand what users like, where they face problems and what needs improvement. By involving users in testing, we get valuable feedback on how easy it is to use the system, navigate around and overall, how much they enjoy using it. Case studies like this also offer universities concrete examples of real-world challenges and successes.
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Ramesh P Natarajan, Kannimuthu S and Bhanu D
The existing traditional recommendations based on content-based filtering (CBF), collaborative filtering (CF) and hybrid approaches are inadequate for recommending practice…
Abstract
Purpose
The existing traditional recommendations based on content-based filtering (CBF), collaborative filtering (CF) and hybrid approaches are inadequate for recommending practice challenges in programming online judge (POJ). These systems only consider the preferences of the target users or similar users to recommend items. In the learning environment, recommender systems should consider the learning path, knowledge level and ability of the learner. Another major problem in POJ is the learners don't give ratings to practice challenges like e-commerce and video streaming portals. This purpose of the proposed approach is to overcome the abovementioned shortcomings.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the context-aware practice challenge recommendation, the data preparation techniques including implicit rating extraction, data preprocessing to remove outliers, sequence-based learner clustering and utility sequence pattern mining approaches are used in the proposed approach. The approach ensures that the recommender system considers the knowledge level, learning path and learning goals of the learner to recommend practice challenges.
Findings
Experiments on practice challenge recommendations conducted using real-world POJ dataset show that the proposed system outperforms other traditional approaches. The experiment also demonstrates that the proposed system is recommending challenges based on the learner's current context. The implicit rating extracted using the proposed approach works accurately in the recommender system.
Originality/value
The proposed system contains the following novel approaches to address the lack of rating and context-aware recommendations. The mathematical model was used to extract ratings from learner submissions. The statistical approach was used in data preprocessing. The sequence similarity-based learner clustering was used in transition matrix. Utilizing the rating as a utility in the USPAN algorithm provides useful insights into learner–challenge relationships.
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Hsin-Te Wu and Kuo Cheng Chung
This study aims to focus on the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) course. As AIoT has many theoretical theories and students usually have little interest in learning the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) course. As AIoT has many theoretical theories and students usually have little interest in learning the protocols, the experiments can help stimulate their curiosity. Due to the environmental factor, the teaching requires assistive videos and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to understand students' learning conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The experimental design generally follows the course theories going from easy to complex, and students can extend the acquired concepts to other project development, yet, without in-depth knowledge about the experiment, resulting in limited creativity.
Findings
The assessment analysis can reveal whether students have grown from the teaching. The final analysis at the end of the term can show learners' conditions; meanwhile, students can deliver their level of satisfaction. The click-and-mortar teaching environment provided in this research can improve learning setting and quality, solidifying learners' proficiency.
Originality/value
The research result has proved the feasibility of the proposed method. Apart from showing the experimental steps, the video also explains the corresponding theories, helping students reinforce experimental knowledge and boost learning willingness.
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Khurram Shahzad and Shakeel Ahmad Khan
This study aims to identify the role of e-learning for the continuing professional development (CPD) of university librarians in Pakistan to deliver value-added library services.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the role of e-learning for the continuing professional development (CPD) of university librarians in Pakistan to deliver value-added library services.
Design/methodology/approach
Explanatory sequential design was applied to address this study’s objectives. First, quantitative data were gathered from 341 respondents working in 244 universities and then qualitative data were gathered through an interview guide from 27 subjects working in different university libraries of Pakistan.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed that respondents realized the benefits of e-learning for continuing professional development positively. E-learning enabled university librarians to perform IT-based tasks through an adequate usage of digital technologies. The findings also manifested that the majority of the respondents faced the challenges of the lack of technical support, and inadequate organizational support to adopt e-learning for CPD. Results displayed e-learning courses should be conducted by local trainers.
Originality/value
This study has provided pertinent theoretical, practical and social contributions by identifying the role of e-learning for the CPD of university librarians of Pakistan to deliver value-added services.
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Shweta Gupta, Shriram Pandey, Sidhartha Sahoo and Chandra Shekhar Pandey
The study examined the relationship between e-learning usage, creativity, e-learning utility and academic performance among undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students at…
Abstract
Purpose
The study examined the relationship between e-learning usage, creativity, e-learning utility and academic performance among undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India.
Design/methodology/approach
The data from 480 students were collected using a cross-sectional survey design. Pearson correlation analysis was performed in order to investigate the association between the variables.
Findings
The results revealed a significant positive correlation between time of use and academic performance (r = 0.294, p < 0.01). However, there was no significant correlation between time of use and the usability of e-learning in the attainment of learning outcomes. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between time of use and creativity (r = −0.170, p < 0.01).
Practical implications
The results indicate that educators ought to promote consistent utilization of e-learning platforms to enhance scholarly achievements. However, learners should exercise prudence in their usage, as an over-reliance on these platforms may impede their creativity.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge regarding the impacts of e-learning on students' academic performance and creativity. Additionally, it offers instructing professionals and students who make use of e-learning platforms information that might be helpful to them.
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Ruksana Banu, Preeti Shrivastava and Mohamed Salman
The effect of e-learning success relies on the learning management system and its effectiveness provided to the learners. As a result, higher education institutions (HEIs) are…
Abstract
Purpose
The effect of e-learning success relies on the learning management system and its effectiveness provided to the learners. As a result, higher education institutions (HEIs) are expanding using various e-learning platforms and focusing on system and information quality. This study adopts the ISS (information system success) model to assess students' perception of e-learning system success (e-LSS).
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was used to analyse 151 students' perceptions collected from HEIs in Oman. The survey instrument was built on prior research related to DeLone and McLean’s ISS model, and expert opinion was involved for validation. The snowball sampling method was used to collect the data, and participants' anonymity and confidentiality were maintained as part of the ethical process. The reliability of data was tested using Cronbach's alpha analysis. A statistical tool like correlation was used to examine the relationship between the study variables (system quality, information quality, user satisfaction and e-LSS).
Findings
This study’s results revealed that students positively perceived system usage, and users' satisfaction with e-learning systems (e-LSs) was high. Moreover, the correlation results indicated that the system and information quality aspects of e-learning significantly influence e-LSS.
Practical implications
The study results on students' perspective towards e-learning information systems can be advantageous to HEIs and various stakeholders like policymakers, and e-learning platforms. It may support and assist the HEIs and corporate firms in deciding on e-learning platforms for students and learners, respectively. Moreover, the consolidated findings will contribute to the existing literature on e-learning success factors from students’ perspectives.
Originality/value
This study examines the students' perception of e-LSS in Oman HEIs and advocates prospects for further in-depth study and analysis.
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Riddhi Thavi, Rujuta Jhaveri, Vaibhav Narwane, Bhaskar Gardas and Nima Jafari Navimipour
This paper aims to provide a literature review on the cloud-based platforms for the education sectors. The several aspects of cloud computing adoption in education…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a literature review on the cloud-based platforms for the education sectors. The several aspects of cloud computing adoption in education, remote/distance learning and the application of cloud-based design and manufacturing (CBDM) have been studied and theorised.
Design/methodology/approach
A four-step methodology was adopted to analyse and categorise the papers obtained through various search engines. Out of 429 research articles, 72 papers were shortlisted for the detailed analysis.
Findings
Many factors that influence cloud computing technology adoption in the education sector have been identified in this paper. The research findings on several research items have been tabulated and discussed. Based on the theoretical research done on cloud computing for education, cloud computing for remote/distance learning and CBDM, cloud computing could enhance the educational systems in mainly developing countries and improve the scope for remote/distance learning.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to papers published only in the past decade from 2011 to 2020. Besides, this review was unable to include journal articles published in different languages. Nevertheless, for the effective teaching and learning process, this paper could help understand the importance and improve the process of adopting cloud computing concepts in educational universities and platforms.
Originality/value
This study is a novel one as a research review constituting cloud computing applications in education and extended for remote/distance learning and CBDM, which have not been studied in the existing knowledge base.
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