Virtual Learning Environments for Higher Learning Institutions in Developing Countries

Abstract

Developing countries are faced with varied challenges that include among others poverty, poor infrastructure, poor infusion and use of Information Technology (IT), poor education facilities and lack of experienced and skilled personnel. Education institutions especially those of higher learning are equally affected by these constraints. Bridging these gaps, education institutions in developing countries need to leverage IT and the few available resources so as to enhance the capabilities of both educators and learners. The use and effective utilization of It applications like Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is hence essential. The use of VLE is expected to promote innovations and to encourage educators and learners to grow from traditional to virtual learning pedagogy. Contextualization of VLE is key towards virtual learning pedagogy that supports cognitively informed VLEs. However, many VLE are not contextualized to meet the needs of educational institutions in developing countries. As a results VLEs in developing countries end up not effectively utilized. This study aims to present contextualized VLE model for education institutions in developing countries by taking a case of a higher institution of learning in South Africa (SA). Basing on related literature a conceptual modal was designed that was validated by data collected from learners of a higher institution in SA. Results of the study indicated that learners' mindset and institutional factors are crucial in the contextualizing a VLE.