Evaluation of Implementation of E-Learning in Nursing Schools in Tanzania:Case of Open University

Abstract

E-Learning is a new concept in education that uses internet technology to deliver the digital content and which provides learner-centered environment for the teachers and students. E-Learning uses electronic media, information and communication technologies (ICT) in content delivery. As the newest form of teaching/ learning in nursing education, e-Iearning has the potential of offering rich educational experience. With the increasing demands for flexible learning modes and convenience for learners, e-learning is crucial in both learning and teaching. The study aimed at evaluating the implementation of e-learning in nursing schools in Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to determine how availability of resources affect the implementation of e-Learning in nursing schools in Tanzania; establishing the attitudes of nursing lecturers towards e-learning implementation in nursing school; determining the JCT competency skills of nursing lecturers and to establish institutional management support for e¬learning in nursing schools in Tanzania. The study site was Open University of health Education and Allied Science. A descriptive design and structured questionnaire method were used to collect data. The sample size comprised of 130 respondents including 106 students, 20 nursing lecturers and 4 administrators. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for comparison. The study concluded that implementation of e¬learning in nursing was not fully successful because there were no adequate resources available, management supports and, all participants have positive attitude towards the implementation. However, the cost of implementing e-learning was high. The study recommended that the university should explore measures to make e-learning mode less costly if not of equal cost to the regular classroom learning. There was need for regular faculty training for capacity building to increase competency and skills in e-learning and more literature review concern e-learning implementation in nursing schools.