Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) For E-Learning in Tertiary Education in Sri Lanka: A Study of Undergraduates from State Universities in Colombo District
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
E- learning was introduced to tertiary education during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the opportunities and challenges faced by undergraduates in state universities in Colombo District in relation to e-learning. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as the main theoretical framework and the qualitative approach was applied through interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data were collected from all state universities in Colombo district using purposive sampling. The results showed that the majority of undergraduates have a positive attitude towards e- learning. Because e-learning is timesaving, convenient and cost-saving during the pandemic and socio-economic issues in the country such as fuel issues, power cuts etc. On the other hand, the undergraduates faced some challenges in e- learning such as a lack of ICT tools and equipment, connectivity issues, the cost of data, background noises, a lack of interaction with peers and teachers, health issues such as eye issues, anxiety etc. The results showed that the challenges of e-learning mainly occur due to the issues connected to ICTs. Therefore, the responsible authorities should take proper measures to provide adequate ICT infrastructure and resources for students to have a convenient and flexible e- learning system. In this context, it is also important that the state universities make the arrangements to have flexible learning for undergraduates. Therefore, hybrid learning allows undergraduates to attend traditional face to face sessions while also attending online classes, reducing transport issues, expenses, optimizing ICT infrastructure and resource utilization.
Downloads
Article Details
This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. The copyright in the text of individual articles (including research articles, opinion articles, and abstracts) is the property of their respective authors, subject to a Creative Commons CC-BY-SA licence granted to all others. IJMCR allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and allows the author to retain publishing rights without restrictions.
References
Abbad, M., Morris, D. L., & De Nahlik, C. F. (2009). Looking under the Bonnet: Factors Affecting Student Adoption of E-Learning Systems in Jordan. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. 10(2), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v10i2.596.
Akcil, U., & Bastas, M. (2020). Examination of University Students’ Attitudes towards E-learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Process and the Relationship of Digital Citizenship. Contemporary Educational Technology. (13(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/9341.
Alfalah, S. F. M., Falah, J., Alfalah, T., & Muhaidat, N. (2020). An Analysis of the Technology Acceptance Model in Understanding. The University of Jordan’s Students Research Gate. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 4 (9), 1297-1312.
Anne-Mette Nortvig, Petersen, A. C., & Søren Hattesen Balle. (2018). A literature review of the factors influencing e-learning and blended learning in relation to learning outcome, student satisfaction and engagement. Electronic Journal of E-Learning. 16(1), 46–55.
Bauk, Sanja, et al. (2014). Estimating Students’ Satisfaction with Web Based Learning System in Blended Learning Environment. Education Research International. 1, 1–11.
Benbasat, I., & Barki, H. (2007). Quo vadis TAM? Journal of the Association for Information Systems. 8(4), 211–218. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00126
Dillon, A., & Morris, M. A. (1996). User Acceptance of Information Technology: Theories and Models. In Information Today eBooks. Information Today. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew_Dillon/publication/277983543_User_Acceptance_of_Information_Technology_Theories_and_Models/links/5593eb3008ae16f493efb6fb.pdf
Galagedarage, G. T. M. (2015). Issues in Internet adoption and rural empowerment in Sri
Lanka. VISTAS Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences. 9, 1-18.
http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/1513/paper1.pdf?sequence=1
Galagedarage, G.T.M. (2021). The role of traditional folk media in empowering rural
communities in Sri Lanka. VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 14 (1),
-65. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ouslpqp/1970/ARTICLE_3.pdf?sequence=1
Galagedarage, T.M, & Salman, A. (2015). Issues in internet adoption and rural development:
Theory of the diffusion of innovation. The Journal of Development Communication. 26(1), 14-23. http://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/42
Gizir, S. (2007). Focus Groups in Educational Studies. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265106271_Focus_Groups_in_Educational_Studies
Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E., & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: Interviews and focus groups. British Dental Journal, 204(6), 291–295.
Hamutoğlu, N. B., Savaşçı, M., & Sezen-Gültekin, G. (2019). Digital Literacy Skills and Attitudes towards E-Learning. Journal of Education and Future. 2, 93–107. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.509293
Haththotuwa, P. M. P. S., & Rupasinghe, R. a. H. M. (2021). Adapting to Online Learning in Higher Education System during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Universities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. 1(2), 147. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v1i2.46
Hayashi, R., Garcia, M., Maddawin, A., & Hewagamage, K. P. (2020). Online Learning in Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Institutions During the COVID-19, ADB Briefs. 8(1), 93-106.
Karthigesu, K. & Erlilverl, K. & Thiyagalingam, G. & Gogulan, T. & Uruththirakodeeswaran, T. (2014). Virtual University Education in Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 12-24. 10.13140/2.1.3532.0004.
Karunarathne, L., Wickramaarachchi, N.C., Ariyawansa , R.G. and Weerakoon, K.G.P.K. (2020). Undergraduate's Perception on E-learning Readiness during COVID-19: A case of a Selected University in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Real Estate. 4 (6), 53-80.
Kaymak, Z. D., & Horzum, M. B. (2013). Relationship between Online Learning Readiness and Structure and Interaction of Online Learning Students. Kuram Ve Uygulamada Egitim Bilimleri. 13(3), 1792–1797.
Lakmal, K., Khashunika, J., & Yatigammana, M. (2021). Challenges and Opportunities in Online Education in Sri Lanka During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from University of Kelaniya. International Journal of Educational Research & Social Sciences. 2(4), 832–849. https://doi.org/10.51601/ijersc.v2i4.143
Liyanagunawardena, A, A. A., T.R., Raaool, N., and Williams, S. A. (2014). Blended learning in distance education: Sri Lankan perspective. 10(1), 55-69.
Madhubhashini, G. T. (2021). Challenges and Opportunities of e- learning via zoom. Proceedings of the 34th of Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities, 2, 375-382. 1-3 June 2021. OUSL. Sri Lanka. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/2046/74481.pdf?sequence=1
Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Opportunities and challenges faced by mid-career academics in the discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences in the context of Open and Distance Learning. VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 14(2), 119-140. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/2003/vistas_December_128-149.pdf?sequence=1
Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Digital Divide: Challenges faced by the university students in the context of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Journal of Development Communication. 33 (1), 16-23. http://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/222
Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). E- learning in secondary education during the Covid 19 pandemic. VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 15(1), 31-45. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/2347/Volume_1_2022_June-42-56.pdf?sequence=1
Mahyoob, M. (2020). Challenges of e-Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Experienced by EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal. 11(4), 351–362. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no4.23
Malhotra, Y., and Galletta, D.F. (2009). Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to account for social influence: Theoretical bases and empirical validation. Proceedings of the 32nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. 44(1), 1-14.
Mohd & Lazim, Che & Ismail, Nur. (2021). Application Of Technology Acceptance Model (Tam) Towards Online Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic: Accounting Students Perspective. 24, 2289-1552.
Mozelius ,P., Hewagamage ,K. P., Hansson .H.(2011).Towards e-learning for all in Sri Lanka – progress and problems in some selected Sri Lankan 21st century initiatives. 1-8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261377424
Omar, D. (2018). Focus group discussion in built environment qualitative research practice. IOP Conference Series: Earthand Environmental Science, 117, https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/117/1/012050/pdf
Pokhrel, S., & Chhetri, R. (2021). A Literature Review on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning. Higher Education for the Future. 8(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631120983481
Priyashantha, A. H., Pratheesh, N., & Pretheeba, P. (2022). Parental perception of distance learning and homeschooling during COVID-19 pandemic: an empirical analysis in Sri Lanka. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal. 17(3), 261–276. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-05-2022-0073
Rameez, A., Fowsar, M.A.M., and Lumna, N. (2020). Impact of Covid-19 on Higher Education Sectors in Sri Lanka: A Study based on Southeastern University of Sri Lanka. Journal of Educational and Social Research. 10(6), 341- 353
Riyath, M. I. M., Rijah, U. L. M., & Rameez, A. (2022). Students’ attitudes on the use of Zoom in higher educational institutes of Sri Lanka. AAOU Journal. 17(1), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-11-2021-0130
Ryan, S. M., Kaufman, J. H., Greenhouse, J. B., She, R., & Shi, J. (2016). The effectiveness of blended online learning courses at the community college level. Community College Journal of Research and Practice. 40(4), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2015.1044584
Sekaran, U. & Bougie, Roger. (2009). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach (5th Edition). International Journal of Information Technology and Management - IJITM.
Shraim, K., & Khlaif, Z. N. (2010). An e-learning approach to secondary education in Palestine: opportunities and challenges. Information Technology for Development. 16(3), 159–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2010.501782
Sife, A. S., Lwoga, E. T., & Sanga, C. (2007). New technologies for teaching and learning: Challenges for higher learning institutions in developing countries. International Journal of Education and Development Using ICT. 3(2), 57–67. http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/include/getdoc.php?id=2385&article=246&mode=pdf
Smedley, J. K. (2010). Modelling the impact of knowledge management using technology of insight. 23(4), 233-250.
Sri Lanka. 2012. Department of Census and Statistics Annual report.
Subashini, N., Udayanga, L., De Silva, L. H. N., Edirisinghe, J. C., & Nafla, M. N. (2022). Undergraduate perceptions on transitioning into E-learning for continuation of higher education during the COVID pandemic in a developing country: a cross-sectional study from Sri Lanka. BMC Medical Education. 22(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03586-2
Sung, Y., Chang, K., & Liu, T. (2016). The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students’ learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers & Education. 94, 252–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.11.008
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka. (2022). Internet statistics - December 2022. Retrieved January 05, 2022, from Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka https://www.trc.gov.lk/2014-05-13-03-56-46/statistics.html
Thowfeek, M. H., & Jaafar, A. (2012). The Outlook of the UGC on the Implementation of e-learning System at the Higher Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 65, 620–625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.11.174
UNESCO Report on COVID-19 and higher education: Today and tomorrow. (2020). Paris: UNESCO.
Xiaoming, H. & Jinqiu, Z. 2008. ICT for Human development: indicator or instigator. Competitiveness of ASEAN-5 in the information economy: An Empirical Analysis. In Banerjee, I. & Rao, M. (eds.). Media and Development in Asia regional perspectives, pp. 40-56. Singapore: Asia Media Information & communication center (AMIC) & school of communication and information, Nayang Technological university.
Wu, J. H., Tennyson, R. D., & Hsia, T. L. (2010). A study of student satisfaction in a blended e-learning system environment. Computers & Education. 55(1), 155–164.