A model for introducing and implementing e-learning for delivery of educational content within the African context.

Abstract

Africa, where we have enormous and varied challenges in accessing higher education, there is need for relevant and customized content that is specific to our needs and challenges. Most of the models that exist to address these challenges have their limitations in terms of flexibility, time and space constraints and hence the need to address the mitigating factors. A blend of different types of information and communication technologies can be used in innovative ways in order to resolve some of these limitations. However, the same technologies brings about other challenges such as the costs that are associated and change of attitude and training on the part of the e-content developers. These challenges must be addressed for successful introduction of the same in an educational setup. In this paper, electronic learning is proposed as one of the main ways of overcoming some of the key challenges in accessing education. We argue that electronic learning models should be sensitive to the level of availability of infrastructure, technical support, and clear policy on implementation, evaluation and curriculum re-orientation. We propose an e-learning implementation model that can be used by educational institutions in introducing e-learning technologies to their staff and students. The model is a modification of Rogers'model of diffusion of innovation in organizations and has been developed from experiences and experiments conducted over a period of three years at the University of Nairobi. The steps involved in the proposed model are described and for each step factors that meliorate the situation are identified and put into perspective. System flowcharts have been developed and used to visualize the processes and the interrelatedness of the steps. We have contextualized the model to suit various parametric values that are dependent on cost, level of infrastructural support and staff motivation and commitment. Key Words: E-learning development process model, e-learning modes, e-content, infrastructure African Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2004: 34-46