Why Ugandan Universities Should adopt to eLearning Systems

First of all, what is eLearning? Understanding eLearning is simple, I guess in a layman’s language we shall defined it as the learning conducted via e-media [electronic media], typically on the Internet.

In otherwise, Let’s just say, eLearning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside a traditional classroom.  In most cases referring to courses or programs delivered completely online ranging from distance education to computerized electronic learning… and so forth.

Courses are specifically delivered via the internet to somewhere other than a traditional classroom where your lecturer is teaching. It is interactive in that you can also communicate with them and also your fellow students/course-mates in your class. Sometimes it is delivered live, where you can participate in discussion forums in real time. There is always a lecturer who is interacting with you and grading your participation.

To institution that are currently using these system, each has got different systems, but in the end, they are all similar in their ability to present course material, assignments, quizzes, syllabubs, discussion forums and so forth.

According to some studies we carried out, eLearning is not for everyone [believe this or NOT], this is because it offers the flexibility to fit into a student’s available time schedule. Any eLearning student must have the self-discipline to work through the material on a consistent and regular basis in order to keep up with the rest of their classmates.

Although you may not be seated in the same classroom with other students, programs are often comprised of a group of students, who learn the material separately, but simultaneously and are expected to interact with one another about the material throughout the week via discussion forums.

So this why our universities should adopt these systems in place

Provides more consistent delivery.
No matter how many times the class or learning module is presented it will not change or vary leading to very consistent delivery of material which isn’t possible to a traditional classroom.

Is more cost effective
While the initial cost of developing an eLearning course can be significantly higher than that of traditional training this expense is more than offset by the savings in implementation and delivery of the course. This is especially true when the course is to be delivered to a large and geographically diverse student body.

Saves time
Independent studies have shown that eLearning has yielded time savings of 45% over traditional classroom instruction while obtaining equivalent or better gains in education.

Minimizes travel cost
Numerous studies have shown that eLearning can cut the travel cost at least 50%. Other studies have shown that if implemented properly these costs can be reduced by at least 80%.

Suits diverse employees
eLearning is flexible. It is self-paced and can occur ‘any time, any place‘. As such, it is ideally suited for employees who are dispersed globally.

In my opinion, eLearning has been proven to be a successful.