A Model to Facilitate Effective Blended E-learning within Universities in Developing Countries

1. ESS Open Day: Highfield House Hotel Electronics and Software Systems Conference 16th June 2014 A Model to Facilitate Effective Blended E-learning within Universities in Developing Countries B. Aguti, R. J. Walters, G. B. Wills Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK Corresponding author: ba3g11@ecs.soton.ac.uk

2. Outline Introduction: Motivation Blended E-learning Definition Challenges with Blended E-learning Benefits of Blended E-learning Is Effective Blended E-learning Possible? Evaluation of E-learning in Universities Proposed model for facilitating Effective Blended E-learning within Universities in developing countries Conclusion and Future work

3. Introduction Motivation: “We all know what e-learning is about! Right! My research is about how to facilitate sustained use of e-learning technologies within Universities in developing countries.” My research study basically seeks to evaluate the factors that impact on the effectiveness of blended e‑learning within Universities in developing countries.  The goal is to develop a model for facilitating effective use of blended e‑learning within Universities; encompassing a well-balanced mix of effective pedagogy in e-learning course design, e-learning readiness and quality e-learning systems.

4. Blended E-learning Definition A combination of improved course delivery strategies, face-to-face classroom teaching with live e-learning, self-paced e-learning facilitated by VLEs (Sharpe et al. 2006) A mix of media and tools used in an e-learning environment. A combination of pedagogic approaches, irrespective of learning technology used (Driscoll, 2002)

5. Challenges and drivers for using blended e-learning in Universities Running programmes in multiple campuses in the country, Inadequate ICT skills amongst the staff and students; Timidity in embracing new technologies for teaching and learning; High population of students vis-a-vis limited lecture capacity, Lack of enthusiasm to sustain the use of e-learning.

6. Benefits of Blended E-learning Effective pedagogy facilitates active student-centred learning, Facilitates collaborative, interactive learning and discussions amongst students and lecturers regardless of the location, through web 2.0 technologies, Easy and quick access to learning resources and content available via VLEs, Cost effective for distance and virtual learners, Diversity of virtual learning audiences attracted by institutions

7. Is Effective Blended E-learning Possible? Establish the drivers and effects of blended e-learning within Universities, Perform a factor analysis to establish the actual factors that influence the effectiveness of blended e-learning, Generate a structural equation model to establish the factors and their strengths towards achieving effective blended e-learning. The proposed model indicates the major constructs that are necessary for promoting blended e-learning.

8. Proposed model for Effective Blended E-learning

9. Dimensions for Effective Blended E-learning The aim of the proposed model is to aid understanding of factors influencing the effectiveness of blended e-learning and measure the level of effectiveness of blended e-learning in Universities. The relationship between the dimensions, components are illustrated in the model. A total of 67 items, 23 items for Course Module Design Strategies dimension, 24 items for E-learning Readiness dimension, 15 items for Quality E-learning Systems dimension, and 7 items for Effective Blended E-learning were formulated.

10. Dimensions for Effective Blended E-learning E-learning Course Delivery Strategies Course module layout, Course module evaluation, Student assessment, Course module planning, E-learning Readiness Institutional Policies E-learning culture E-learning costs

11. Dimensions for Effective Blended E-learning E-learning Readiness E-learning Infrastructure, E-learning support Quality E-learning system Learning management systems Student learning management

12. Dimensions for Effective Blended E-learning Effective Blended E-learning Impact on E-learning readiness, quality of e-learning systems, e-learning course module delivery strategies Student retention, Cost effectiveness, Performance od quality of teachers, Academic achievement, Graduation of student Improvement in research and education

13. Conclusion and Future Work The main challenge for HEIs is to find a model to used to facilitate effective blended e-learning within Universities. SEM will be performed to establish factors which effect on blended e-learning within Universities. The developed model will act as a benchmarking tool to be used to conduct to inform University administrators, lecturers, e-learning experts, policy makers and Government during their decision making processesregarding blended e-learning.