Challenges related to e-learning in least developed countries: A case study of university of Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Although ICT tools have tremendously introduced and deployed in most of least developed countries, challenges related to its implementation are enormous. Rwanda is not an exception compared to least developed countries. The present study aims at assessing the challenges related to e-learning at the University of Rwanda. Methodology: Cross-sectional quantitative approach was used to have a deep view of lecturers’ reflections on the topic of interest. In addition some open ended views were also reported to get good reflection results. The study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the College of Science and Technology. One hundred twenty nine (129) study participants have responded to the structured questionnaire to report on challenges related to e-learning at the University. Data was managed by means of SPSS version 21 and presented in form of tables and pie charts. Results: A gap in infrastructures e-learning systems were scored by a majority of the study participants (41.9%) that are between 40 to 60%. Knowledge and skills required to implement elearning systems at the study sites was also relatively high as the majority 112 (86.8%) though the majority mentioned to have enough skills to implement e-learning solutions. The main challenges reported is related to courses delivery, contextual as well as technological challenges. Conclusion and recommendations: The present study highlighted e-learning infrastructure gap at the study settings, it has shown the positive response of the lecturers that e-learning would be the best option to boost teaching and learning at the study site and recommended that the continued support from the government can be raised to a higher level.