1. Implementation of e-Learning in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana: A Case Study of KNUST MIT LINC CONFERENCE MAY 23-26, 2010 ROBERT KABUTEY OKINE & JOHN SERBE MARFO

2. Abstract Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning to KNUST Types of e-Learning systems considered Strategies involved in e-Learning implementations in KNUST Challenges faced Recommendations on critical issues to consider

3. Background of Study Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) –A public university in Ghana, Africa –21285 undergraduate Students & 2306 pg students –http://www.knust.edu.ghhttp://www.knust.edu.gh –Leading Science & Technology University in West Africa

4. Background of Study Initial Implementation of e-Learning in KNUST 2005/06 –Advantages and Disadvantages of e-learning –Types of e-learning systems considered: Commercial, Open Source, Course Management, Learning management systems –2 nd semester of 2005/06 UITS setup an open source and course management e-learning system called MOODLE Fine-tuned to suit the needs of the university

5. Background of Study Pilot in 2006/07 academic year –Two courses using two classes –Fine-tuned from the inputs given by users Expected large scale implementation in 2 nd Semester of 2006/07 –However: Due to Human Resources and other challenges, it did not happen

6. Problem Statements –Inadequate ICT staffs to support –Low motivation for lecturers to blend e- learning into their face to face lectures –Inadequate bandwidth –Poor financing of ICT infrastructure –Poor educational awareness –Unreliable power supply

7. Methodology Descriptive study with a cross-sectional design Employed qualitative and quantitative variables Sample Size –Students –Lectures –ICT Staff –University Administrators

8. Results 97% response rate out of the 125 questionnaires –It comprise of: 100 Students 5 lecturers 15 ICT personnel 5 University Administrators

9. Will e-learning enhance teaching & Learning –98.35% of YES response Courses will be accessible 24/7 Online learning will not require physical attendance of student or lecturer Learning is self-paced Geographical barriers will be removed Online course materials can be reused or modified for a new class For open source e-learning systems KNUST will have low cost and support will be highly available

10. Disadvantages of eLearning –Little Internet Bandwidth –Inadequate computers and other ICT infrastructure –unreliable power supply

11. Types of e-Learning

12. Choice of e-Learning system Choice of e-learning system recommended base on Management: 68% of respondents chose Course Management System 32% of respondents chose Learning Management System Choice of e-Learning system based on cost, development continuity and support: 76% of respondents chose Open Source systems 24 of respondents chose commercial systems

13. Choice of e-Learning system recommended

14. Why Moodle? –Moodle is widely used by most universities (48,973 users from 212 countries) It is easily customizable –It supports several databases including MySQL, PostgrelSQL, Microsoft SQL, Oracle and others –It supports different operating systems including Windows and Linux –It is free to download and use, making less costly to deploy. –It has a large user and developer community and support.

15. Strategy for Implementation Successful rate of 35% of respondents Unsuccessful rate of 69.42% of respondents Why unsuccessful? –Not much educational awareness has been done about it to students –Lack of practical effort from University Top management –Initial plan of implementing the e-learning system across the whole university campus was wrong.

16. Strategy for e-Learning Implementation Lack of recognition of lecturers using e- Learning A must for the successful implementation of e- learning in KNUST –Blend the traditional face to face with the virtual learning system –Online system should be complemented with CD-ROM materials –Deadline for online materials should be set –Policy on e-Learning

17. Challenges and Solutions Challenges –Inadequate ICT infrastructure –Lecturers with very low ICT skills –Inadequate ICT staff to train users of the e- Learning system –Low motivation for lecturers to blend e-learning into face to face lectures –High cost of accessing e-learning by non- residential students –Inadequate finance for acquisition of ICT Infrastructure

18. Challenges and Solutions Solutions –Organise e-Learning training workshop for lecturers –Provide funds and a well elaborate plan for implementing e-Learning at KNUST –Expansion of the university ICT network to non- residential areas via wireless –Provision of adequate ICT staff for e-learning training and management –Provision of adequate ICT infrastructure to support e-learning implementation

19. Conclusion & Recommendation Conclusion –Advantages of e-learning far outweighs the disadvantages –An eLearning system that blends Course Management and an Open source system –A policy should back the implementation of e- Learning

20. Conclusion & Recommendation Recommendation –Wireless facilities should be extended to Non- Residential students areas to use the intranet –Workshops should be organised for Students and Lecturers regularly –E-learning policy to guide the implementation –Reward system must be developed for lecturers who blend e-learning into face to face lectures –E-learning should be adopted in Ghanaian universities due to ever increasing enrolment figures

21. Relevant e-Learning systems in KNUST KNUST E-learning System –Moodle platform http://web.knust.edu.gh/elearning/ Other Digital Systems in KNUST –OER in collaboration with University of Michigan and KNUST School of Medical Sciences http://oer.knust.edu.ghhttp://oer.knust.edu.gh, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1HQOtiotXY –KNUST Dspace Repository http://dspace.knust.edu.gh

22. Questions & Suggestions THANK YOU