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E-learning Effects to Bachelor of Education-External Degree Programme In the University of Nairobi
Running Head: EFFECTS OF E-LEARNING
E-learning: Effects to Bachelor of Education-External Degree Programme
In the University of Nairobi
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University of Nairobi
College of Education
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Insert Your Instructor’s Name
August 16, 2010
Introduction
E-learning is a relatively new field of research in many study programmes offered in institutions of higher learning. The use of E-learning methodologies to continuing students in the external degree programme at the University of Nairobi is a vital resource in facilitation of their studies. Even though the use of technologies for learning has been implemented for several decades, the introduction of the internet has promoted a considerable shift and innovation (Mason and Kaye, 1989). By its nature, e-learning is a multidisciplinary subject and its application can be complex at times. For this reason, the introduction of E-learning to the External Degree Programme will not only come with positive effects but also negative effects. E-learning is a term that is used to refer to computer-based learning. E-learning uses web-based training and teaching materials, CD-ROMs, learning management software, discussion boards, e-mail, computer-aided assessment, simulation, online conferencing and other related methods (Allen and Seaman, 2003)
In the past years, e-learning strategies have been implemented in many Kenyan universities and other institutions of higher learning. Although these implementations have different objectives and follow different strategies, the importance of the use of e-learning technologies to improve the quality of education has been widely accepted. The e-learning Programme at the University of Nairobi is aimed at promoting effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies in education and training systems in the distance learning programme.
If properly used, the e-learning programme should be able to contribute to increased quality of training in education and as well promote a knowledge based society. The new teaching and learning strategy is aimed at promoting greater flexibility in learning styles and strategies, and supporting students through staff development programmes. Many higher education systems nowadays are offering e-learning courses to their students. Online education is fast developing in the education system and is widely used in many universities and many research areas
Objectives of E-learning in the University of Nairobi
E-learning has enabled the School of Continuing and Distance Education to effectively carry out its mandate in the provision of quality education and extending the University’s reach to the many students out of the campuses. In addition, training opportunities have been delivered to the wider population of our country. Teachers have been able to deliver their course content by the use of various educational media to their students thereby facilitating the learning process. It also enables the university to teach many students in one lesson.
Positive effects to students
E-learning is student-centered and therefore individual preferences and needs are met equally without bias. At the same time, students from various backgrounds are empowered to access the best resources equally because delivery of the course content is done from the same platform. This includes but not limited to referral materials, lecture sessions, tutorials as well as services from experienced teachers.
Additionally, the use of the internet is a favorite to many in this technological edge of the 21st century. Virtually everything is being done online and incorporation of Information and Technology will make the learning process more enjoyable (Allen and Seaman, 2003). Furthermore, students are able to access their choice of study material by downloading from the University’s e-learning portal. This reduces their costs of printing the same materials as well as their tuition costs are reduced.
E-learning platform provides as many standardized tests as possible and students can horn their skills and test their understanding of the course concept by attempting as many tests as they can (Bates, 2005). This enables them to be very well prepared to sit for their exams. As a matter of fact, the e-learning format is beneficial to all types of students- those with the short learning curve as well as those with a long learning curve. This means that each student has the flexibility to alter his learning mode, for instance they can either speed up or slow down whichever way that serves to increase their levels of understanding. Flexibility is also extended to the time limit allocated to learning. Admittedly, there is an immense lot of opportunities and a host of variety options at their disposal. The online learning interface enables them to focus their study by reducing the efforts employed and time allocated to their studies (Bates, 2005). This proves that e-learning made it possible for them to reduce their hassles and as a result it has opened up new ways of studying comfortably to obtain better results.
Responsibility is also increased on the part of the student. E-learning has enabled students to realize their own learning. Dependency on group work is minimized because students are not grouped together whereby chances of being carried through group effort are minimal. It more of an interactive type of teaching method as opposed to the teacher-student medium because the instructor plays the role more of a guide and facilitator than playing his role as a teacher.
Response rate is usually high because a prompt inquiry from the student is responded to immediately. Further clarification on issues can be easily accessed with the touch of a button. Information is usually updated from time to time and students can easily get to know of any new changes on issues affecting their area of study.
The last positive effect is the benefit of networking. The E-learning interface enables students to form forums from where they can discuss their issues and as well suggest possible solutions to the same problems. Moreover, students feel uploading their assignments as being more convenient as opposed to posting or handing them to the university or instructors. This is common to those students who are based on various regional outlets.
Negative effects
The E-learning method is a compliment but not a substitute to the traditional face to face learning mode of study. What is perhaps the most surprising thing is the inability to distinguish the privileged and underprivileged type of students. The E-learning system is highly dependent on technology and therefore those students who come from less developed regions such as villages and rural areas will be greatly disadvantaged because they will have to travel long distances in order to access this materials. There is low awareness in training levels of e-learning as well as the reduced availability of resource computers and internet connections needed to facilitate the study. The students are also required to have skills in computer programs such as word processing, internet browsing and the ability to work with the computer.
E-learning is highly disadvantageous to unmotivated learners as well as to those students with long learning curves (slow learners). These students need specialized attention and their probability of being left behind during study is very high. These students can feel isolated and at times they will feel out of context.
The introduction of e-learning is a new thing to many and therefore it presents an unfamiliar structure to majority of students which might require a substantial amount of time for them to get acquainted to (Harasim et al, 2005). Management of computer software used in learning can increase the learning curves of many a student and therefore a lot of resources might be employed to facilitate the study.
At times the flexibility and advantages associated with to face to face interaction can be highly missed because the instructor may not be available on students’ demand. This can be quite disadvantageous because clarity on urgent issues cannot be accessed easily. This can translate to poor performance due to lack of motivation and personalized services and wrong choice of actions.
Another notable negativity associated with e-learning is the inability and difficulty in simulation of certain courses such as traditional hands on courses. Additionally, e-learning assignments require a number of interactive collaborations which demand a higher level of motivation and responsibility from the students.
Conclusion
E-learning is really catching up fast and its introduction into the External Degree Programme has seen its advantages and disadvantages. If harnessed properly, the positive effects can outweigh the negative effects in this technological era (Conole and Oliver, 2007). What must be done to improve the situation includes but are not limited to improving infrastructural development in regional centers to favor students from rural areas, ensuring that there is enough teaching materials including the staff and teaching media, giving specialized services to slow learning students as well as giving inductions to new students who are unfamiliar with the e-learning interface. The university should also channel a lot of resources in training and development of e-learning programmes. I believe that with the implementation of the above changes, the college of external degree programmes will be able to achieve its core objectives and propel the university to greater heights.
Reference
Allen, I.E. and Seaman, J. (2003) Sizing the Opportunity: The Quality and Extent of Online
Education in the United States, 2002 and 2003 Wellesley, MA: The Sloan Consortium
Bates, A. (2005) Technology, e-Learning and Distance Education London: Routledge
Conole, G. and Oliver, M. (2007). Contemporary perspectives in E-learning research:
themes, methods and impacts on practice. Oxon, UK: Routledge
Harasim, L., Hiltz, S., Teles, L. and Turoff, M. (1995) Learning Networks: A Field Guide to
Teaching and Learning Online Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
Mason. R. and Kaye, A. (1989) Mindweave: Communication, Computers and Distance
Education Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press
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E-LEARNING EFFECTS ON UoNS BACHELOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Running Head: E-LEARNING EFFECTS ON UoN’S BACHELOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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Institution:
Instructor’s Name:
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Though e-learning still faces a number of difficulties in Kenya, not least because it is expensive to implement and computer literacy remains low, it is fast catching on and ironically for nearly the same reasons i.e. it reduces costs and computer literacy is rising. Fuelled with the rise of the internet as well innovations in other information and communication technologies, online education is fast developing in the Kenyan education system and is now widely used in many universities and many research areas. There is hardly a set definition of what exactly e-learning refers to and in fact, the concept means different things to different people or in different fields. In business, e-learning refers to the use of the company network to provide training to employees while in the educational field, e-learning refers to numerous forms of procedural, electronically supported instruction and or learning that uses individual students’ personal knowledge, practice and experience to effect the transfer and acquisition of knowledge and skills (Kerkman, 2004).
E-learning has evolved greatly ever since computers were introduced in education. From the use of technology to supplement traditional teaching, through to the blended learning services which used both traditional and e-learning methods and the newly emerging forms which attempt to eliminate nearly all forms of traditional methods of teaching and learning. Globally, many higher education institutions are moving towards education imparted online through a Learning Management System (LMS, in which all aspects of a subject are dealt with through a consistent standard process throughout the institution. LMS is a software application or Web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process (Harasim, et al., 1995). Many Universities and Colleges are now offering academic degrees and certificate courses by way of the internet, of which many are delivered wholly online. In addition to this, many educational institutions are as well offering online support services to students, like online advising, e-counselling, online buying of valuable study material, etc. Thus e-learning with its more active and interesting opportunities is gradually replacing the traditional forms of teaching.
The University of Nairobi’s School of Continuing and Distance Education’s objectives include delivering knowledge and quality education, flexibly to the student population out of campus. This objective is particularly relevant for those students who are unable to regularly attend college, either because they are working or other wisely engaged, but still desire to acquire education. Among this cadre of students are institution based students pursuing bachelor of Education or graduate degrees. These students are occupied when schools are in session and only find time to attend university during school holidays, and while away, they take along with them study materials and thus the education can only be delivered to them by distance learning, which is in turn greatly helped by the introduction of e-learning. There are numerous other motivations for the movement towards the adoption of the e-trend both at the University of Nairobi, in Kenya and the world.
Positive Effects of E-Learning
It is a highly interactive mode of learning as well as teaching, in which lecturers only facilitate rather than act as a teachers per se, where the students are made to take on the responsibility for their education. Thus students would tend to take more initiative in research, and other aspects of study, which would boost the level and quality of knowledge acquisition, retention and ease than traditional modes of education. Research shows that there is a greater degree of knowledge retention and application to the teaching job averages an increase of 25 percent over traditional methods, according to an independent study by J.D. Fletcher (Ambient Insight Research, 2009), while another 12 year study conducted by the US Department of Education revealed that students in online learning generally performed better than those in face-to-face courses. Students are able to interact with their lecturer’s through the myriads of communication channels through which questions etc can be put to the instructor’s and prompt responses received, besides affording students the opportunity easily participate and discuss course topics with one another, from the comfort of their offices or homes. This whole process is backed up by the easy access to the best, updated information universally accessible to all e.g. online libraries, books and other educational materials.
One of the major benefits of e-learning in the Bachelor of Education degrees both for the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the students is the reduction in the costs. UoN cuts back on lecture halls space and costs, student hostels, subsidised meals at the messes, student travel, overheads among other expenses. On the other hand, students pay less college fees and perhaps most importantly, school based students do not have to take leaves from their regular teaching jobs or worse yet quit their jobs in order to pursue further education. E-learning makes sense too, for students in primary/secondary schools would normally lose their teachers when they take leaves or quit to attend university. Thus while teachers receive acquire further skills and education, this can be done without disruptions in the country’s schools which are often under staffed.
Flexibility, convenience to the students comes with increased access to scarce educational resources such as lecturers and libraries, not just at the UoN but also globally. With basic internet connections, audio or video students can access resources outside the country, in virtual libraries, open sourced resources such as the MIT OpenCourseWare program which has made substantial portions of that university’s curriculum and lectures available for free online.
Perhaps most crucially, e-learning helps future educators develop skills required for the changing times, skills that will ultimately be passed on to their own students thus improving the quality of education in Kenyan schools. Particular, e-learning ensures that learners have the digital literacy skills required in their disciplines, professions or careers. Bates asserts that the key motivation for eLearning in education is that it enables learners to develop essential skills for knowledge-based workers by embedding the use of information and communications technologies within the curriculum. He also argues that using eLearning in this way has major implications for course design and the assessment of learners both at the University during the education of the teachers as well as in schools where the graduates would go to teach (Bates, 2009).
Like no other training form, e-learning promises to provide a single experience that accommodates the three distinct learning styles of auditory learners, visual learners, and kinaesthetic learners (Allen & Seaman, 2003). Other unique opportunities created by the advent and development of e-learning are more efficient training of a globally dispersed audience; and reduced publishing and distribution costs as Web-based training becomes a standard. E-learning also offers individualized instruction, which print media, cannot provide, and instructor-led courses allow clumsily and at great cost. In conjunction with assessing needs, e-learning can target specific needs. And by using learning style tests, e-learning can locate and target individual learning preferences.
Limitations of E-Learning in Education
E-learning is equally faced with a number of difficulties both on the part of the University as well as the students. For a start, the School must make significant investments in the development of the necessary infrastructure for the programs to be implemented efficiently (Kerkman, 2004). The existent technological infrastructure cannot support a fully functioning e-learning program and sourcing for more funds would present a challenge to the school. In addition, computer and internet literacy remains poor in the country. As such, running educational programs hinged almost entirely on such technologies is not only difficult but may as well lead into reduced quality of the education which would ultimately reflect on the quality of teachers that the country’s children would receive.
On the part of the students, it is an inescapable fact that most of the students in public universities come from poor families, and thus would be unable to raise the necessary resources. Internet connections and computers, phone services and even mains electricity are both expensive and unavailable in most parts of the country. As such introduction of such programs that would require massive technology are less likely to succeed.
Cultural acceptance of virtual education in Kenya may be a problem, since many students may be psychologically indisposed to it. In addition, while technology has improved immensely, it is difficult to entirely replace or even rival the traditional methods of education, especially in developing and technologically challenged country like Kenya. Not least because of the wealth of printed books.
For future educators, social aspects achieved through constant interaction with both peers and lecturers is indispensable for developing classroom communication and teaching skills, personal confidence etc. E-learning lectures and materials are carefully prepared and edited. The impersonality, suppression of communication mechanisms such as body language, and elimination of peer-to-peer learning that are part of this potential disadvantage are lessening with advances in communications technologies.
It may seem advantageous that synchronous e-learning is self-paced. Advanced learners are allowed to speed through or bypass instruction that is redundant, but most importantly, novices slow their own progress through content, eliminating frustration with themselves, their fellow learners, and the course. Given the numerous technological difficulties, coupled with the fact that some people naturally have long learning curves, exposing them to e-learning would place them at a disadvantage.
Conclusion
E-learning necessarily gives a positive contribution to education. Even so, computers will never completely eliminate human instructors and other forms of educational delivery. What is important is to know exactly what e-learning advantages exist and build those into the traditional methods of education. All collaborative learning theory show that human interaction is a vital ingredient to learning and it is easy to agree that indeed the magical classroom bond between the teacher and the student, and among the students themselves, can never be replicated through communications technology. Consideration of this is particularly crucial when designing e-learning, realizing the potential for the medium to isolate learners. With well-delivered synchronous distance education, and technology like message boards, chats, e-mail, and tele-conferencing, this potential drawback is reduced.
References
Bates, A. (2005) Technology, e-Learning and Distance Education London: Routledge
Kerkman, L. (2004). Convenience of Online Education Attracts Midcareer Students. Chronicle of Philanthropy, 16(6), 11–12 Academic Search Premier database.
Harasim, L., Hiltz, S., Teles, L. and Turoff, M. (1995). Learning Networks: A Field Guide to Teaching and Learning Online Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Allen, I.E. and Seaman, J. (2003). Sizing the Opportunity: The Quality and Extent of Online Education in the United States, 2002 and 2003 Wellesley, MA: The Sloan Consortium
Ambient Insight Research (2009). US Self-paced e-Learning Market Monroe WA: Ambient Insight Research
Elders project
Elders Project
Introduction
Rapid changes have for a quite a while been the basis of our future, old men and women have always been regarded as a source to wisdom and knowledge store. It is thus very critical to seek wisdom and rich lessons material from people who have existed for quite a while. This paper seeks to establish stories from old men which have moral education and wise lessons. It will also reflect the rapid changes to the influences it has had on the old men’s today lifestyle, the rapid changes in United Arab Emirates and the general lessons from the stories.
Mohammad Salem fifty eight years of age and a father of four tells us a story about the UAE education system in the past, he says that old teachers both male and female referred to as Mutawwa and Mutawaa respectively conducted all subjects teaching to all children of the society. He goes ahead to tell us that these teachers depended so much on cramming the Quran together with calligraphic writings, the rituals of Islam and Hadeeth sayings. He sites the challenges which they went through while in this lessons due to lack of writing material and that sometimes the teachers forgot what they memorized.
Ahmed Hassan a 63 year old man tells us a story of the live of the past; he says that his family resided in a small house which was erected from wood coupled with a few other available environmental components. He says that his parents told him that during the day, there friends would visit them at their house and they would dine together while discussing issues. And says it was fun, when someone had a problem, they collectively helped him/her without discrimination.
Nigel Adnan a 61 year old tells us a story of how his life at Bedu desert was. He says that he together with the members of the community used camels for transport across the entire desert. He says that they commonly referred the camel as the ship of the desert. Food was a major problem and had to travel to various destinations in search of it. They also used milk from the camels and ate its meat while some used the camel’s skin to erect tents.
Rehan Varun a 57 year old who seems a bit wealthier tells us a story of how he used to get money. He talks about a social system which they referred to as pearling which actually formed the basis of today’s affluent traditions. He also says that he personally also used palm as a resource to obtain money. He says that Bedu’s connection with the palm tree was similar to man’s connection to the camel and that to him the palm tree gave him much of what he needed since it was the only protein source within the desert. He tells us that in his teenage years he used to trade palm products to the rest of the community members who could not find it.
Ahmed Hassan believes that imminent rapid changes have taken place in UAE with regard to life. He says that today there exists many distinct families which is different from what was the situation before, today families reside in big houses that makes families even look much smaller than those in the past. Furthermore, he believes that however, much relatives of a family might reside in different distant cities and only come together during special moments, if someone has a problem they shall all help collectively. This to him has forced him to adapt to the current lifestyle where there are no more home gatherings to discuss issues.
Rehan Varun tells us that the present UAE has seen a lot of changes such as oil becoming the most imperative asset. He says that today United Arab Emirates are the world’s third biggest oil producer. The current economy relies mainly on gas and oil production. He also says that UAE now has the advantage of being home to the worlds fourth biggest reserves. Such resources give the current UAE generation an upper hand to a simple life as opposed to that of his past. Lifestyle adjustment has been so easy to him since it is easier to obtain wealth today than his youthful days.
Nigel Adnan also shares similar sentiments, he says that today a lot has changed in UAE for instance the existence of many modern international airports, the road network is perfect and almost every home owns a car thus transport is very easy. Food is readily bought from the markets and balanced diets are the order of the day. To him lifestyle adjustment is simple since the current lifestyle is quite simple.
Mohammad Salem talks of the immense changes in the education sector such as existence of modern institutions of learning, many students turn out and introduction of computing systems for both preparatory and primary school students. Universities even exist with many students and good teachers in it. He says that todays children are lucky for the great opportunities provided by education and to him old age is a hindrance to enjoying such a lifestyle.
The current lifestyle harbors so many positive effects of lifestyle change. First life has been eased up no more struggles to find food, travelling with camels through thin lanes. Much of what was scarce in the past are now readily available with ease. The current generation is also blessed many avenues towards achieving education, there are many learning institutions with modern equipment, the teachers are also equipped with great learning material unlike the past, students also have the chance to interact with fellow students from different places.
Todays lifestyle also gives many alternatives to getting reach or making money, many trading centers have been created and availability of many trading commodities. We also have well established banks where persons can keep or borrow money. The road network is perfect and the fact that close to all homesteads own cars makes it easy to traverse areas of UAE.
The disadvantage of this lifestyle change is that people tend to be lazy since the struggles that existed in the past are no more. People do not have to struggle in order to eat, the current education systems give them much of what thy want to be in life. Also due to urbanization and cultural interactions some fundamental family features might be lost, moral decay is one major disadvantage and also many kids might drown in what technology offers. The other disadvantage is that people no longer meet to discuss matters at family levels hence many issues that could be resolved on family levels end up to the justice system.
The main advice learned from these old men is that life in UAE at the moment gives us many opportunities that we should take advantage of, the education system, the transport network and resources available to us. We should also be thankful that we did no experience what they went through and thus struggle in all our endeavors to even make UAE a better place for the future generation.
From them we learn that UAE has advanced steadily in close to all sectors of life. In a personal account, if I were asked the live I would prefer in UAE, today’s life would definitely be my answer.