ASSESSING THE READINESS OF USING ELEARNING PORTAL IN TIVET
INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA
*Rodah Sitati; Kabete National Polytechnic – Kenya & Dr. Selpher K. Cheloti; South
Eastern Kenya University
Email of corresponding author
Abstract
Institutions world over have embraced technology in their operations. Educational institutions
have adopted technology in making their processes effective and efficient. The objective of the
study were; to assess the readiness of using the eLearning portal in TIVET institutions; establish
the benefits of using eLearning portal in their operations and identify the challenges faced by the
institutions in integrating eLearning in their operations. E-Learning has been defined as the use
of computer and networks in providing information, sharing of knowledge and skills, and system
support collaborative communication electronically. For TIVET institutions to implement the
portal, they need to understand the features of an eLearning portal, the implementation
challenges and evaluate the level of preparedness so that they can incorporate it well with their
missions, visions and values. The study reviews literature and gives scholarly information on the
needs and benefit of eLearning portal and reviewing the challenges that higher learning
institution may encounter during and after. It also unveils some of the views from researchers
and other institutes in the world concerning the readiness, implementation challenges and the
benefits, and types of the portal. The study adopted a descriptive survey and naturalistic research
design. It used a sample of 1200 comprising 10 heads of departments, 35 teachers and 1155
students. The study found that the TIVET institutions were ready to use E-learning portal in its
operations, most heads of departments were using the eLearning portal, majority of the teachers
were not using the e-Learning portal in curriculum implementation and the institution
management had not acquired an electronic system to manage their operations and had no policy
to ensure the implementation of e- learning. The study recommended that the management of
TIVET institution should put in place policies to ensure adoption and integration of e learning in
their operations. This journal paper is an extract of a study conducted in 2017.
Key words: ELearning portal, information communication technology, higher learning
institutions, operations.
,Background to the study
Education is the largest sector in any economy that has a direct influence on the social, economic
and technological environment and it also has the power to transform and influence performance,
knowledge and skills (Gilbert, Morton, & Rowley, 2007). E-Learning involves the change of
replacing the traditional modes of learning by enabling them to undertake different courses at a
distance (Okinda, 2014). However, Information Technology (IT) has become an increasingly
ubiquitous and integral part of the modern organization as it has the potential to enhance and
support education, and organizational performance at strategic and operational levels (Ashurst,
Dorothey, & Peppard, 2008).
However, internet becomes the effective and vital link of making available resources, sharing of
that resource between teachers and student during the process of learning (Arkorful & Abaido,
2014). Therefore, Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides a good platform for
interaction opportunity for higher learning institutions and other organizations to streamline and
make use of technology to support teaching and learning process. This is done through all forms
of electronically supported learning and teaching which is procedural in character and aims at
construction of knowledge with reference to individual experience, practice and knowledge of
the learner (Nagarajan & Jiji, 2010).
E-learning portal has its roots in Africa specifically Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
In Kenya some of the higher learning intuitions have embraced eLearning portal to allow running
of flexible programs that gives opportunities to all the students, hence giving them a lot of
opportunities to explore (Makokha & Mutisya, Aprill 2016). From the studies done, eLearning
portal is still developing although few institutions are embracing the technology. According to
Nagarajan and Jiji (2010) higher learning institutions in Kenya are under pressure from
government and education stakeholders to embrace technology in their operations. Lecturers are
advised to use computer and network-enabled devices to transfer skill and knowledge to the
learners. Institutions of higher learning have experienced different intakes due to use of
technology. However, those with online learning are experiencing high intakes than those
without the systems. With changes in technology and time, institutions are experiencing
challenges since most students are looking for an institution that can allow them to gain
knowledge and skills at their comfort. From the research done in India, Nigeria and in some of
the universities, colleges and higher learning institution in Kenya has proved the need for
2
, eLearning portal in this learning institutions (JI & N., 2016), (Ahmad, 2012) and (Okinda, 2014).
Therefore, it is evident that with the increasing number of students, institutions are not able to
handle the numbers and they need an alternative best way of accommodating everybody on
board. ELearning portal is the best way to go (Wende & Huisman, 2006). Those that are already
using the portal are enjoying benefits and large number of student enrollments. Higher learning
institutes must in a more diverse way cater for the expanding enrolments of student, market
forces and this can be achieved by implementing the use of eLearning system (Wende &
Huisman, 2006).
Countries and institutions at large should provide greater access to education and reality is that
they have to accept technology in doing that. What most employers and students need is
employability and career growth, which should be offered alongside the educational programs.
Universities that cling to past programs and approaches have discovered that students will take
their business to educational providers that best meets their needs. Mature working students
understand they have choices and priorities, and as much as they want to learn, they will go for a
flexible instructions that will allow them to do so without interfering with their jobs or other
programs. E-learning therefore gives a good opportunity to such students. Using this blended
approach, institutions can shorten semesters, offer more courses every semester, and reach
citizens throughout the country within their time limits (Ahmad, 2012).
With the concept of e-learning students are able to study anytime-anywhere, and therefore basic
education and up skilling becomes more available to more people. Furthermore, institutions must
also provide online registration, electronic access to institution services, and provide feedback as
and when required. This does not rule out the confronting challenges that come with technology.
Institutions are found in log head with technology are unable to transform the curriculum to
match with the technological in the changing environment. E-learning offers applications and
process like web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom and digital
collaborations which has replaced the board and chalk, and text-book classroom environment (JI
& N., 2016)
Statement of the problem
The National Polytechnics just like other technical colleges have the mandate to train technically
skilled personnel, not only to work in technical environments, but also in white color jobs
3
INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA
*Rodah Sitati; Kabete National Polytechnic – Kenya & Dr. Selpher K. Cheloti; South
Eastern Kenya University
Email of corresponding author
Abstract
Institutions world over have embraced technology in their operations. Educational institutions
have adopted technology in making their processes effective and efficient. The objective of the
study were; to assess the readiness of using the eLearning portal in TIVET institutions; establish
the benefits of using eLearning portal in their operations and identify the challenges faced by the
institutions in integrating eLearning in their operations. E-Learning has been defined as the use
of computer and networks in providing information, sharing of knowledge and skills, and system
support collaborative communication electronically. For TIVET institutions to implement the
portal, they need to understand the features of an eLearning portal, the implementation
challenges and evaluate the level of preparedness so that they can incorporate it well with their
missions, visions and values. The study reviews literature and gives scholarly information on the
needs and benefit of eLearning portal and reviewing the challenges that higher learning
institution may encounter during and after. It also unveils some of the views from researchers
and other institutes in the world concerning the readiness, implementation challenges and the
benefits, and types of the portal. The study adopted a descriptive survey and naturalistic research
design. It used a sample of 1200 comprising 10 heads of departments, 35 teachers and 1155
students. The study found that the TIVET institutions were ready to use E-learning portal in its
operations, most heads of departments were using the eLearning portal, majority of the teachers
were not using the e-Learning portal in curriculum implementation and the institution
management had not acquired an electronic system to manage their operations and had no policy
to ensure the implementation of e- learning. The study recommended that the management of
TIVET institution should put in place policies to ensure adoption and integration of e learning in
their operations. This journal paper is an extract of a study conducted in 2017.
Key words: ELearning portal, information communication technology, higher learning
institutions, operations.
,Background to the study
Education is the largest sector in any economy that has a direct influence on the social, economic
and technological environment and it also has the power to transform and influence performance,
knowledge and skills (Gilbert, Morton, & Rowley, 2007). E-Learning involves the change of
replacing the traditional modes of learning by enabling them to undertake different courses at a
distance (Okinda, 2014). However, Information Technology (IT) has become an increasingly
ubiquitous and integral part of the modern organization as it has the potential to enhance and
support education, and organizational performance at strategic and operational levels (Ashurst,
Dorothey, & Peppard, 2008).
However, internet becomes the effective and vital link of making available resources, sharing of
that resource between teachers and student during the process of learning (Arkorful & Abaido,
2014). Therefore, Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides a good platform for
interaction opportunity for higher learning institutions and other organizations to streamline and
make use of technology to support teaching and learning process. This is done through all forms
of electronically supported learning and teaching which is procedural in character and aims at
construction of knowledge with reference to individual experience, practice and knowledge of
the learner (Nagarajan & Jiji, 2010).
E-learning portal has its roots in Africa specifically Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
In Kenya some of the higher learning intuitions have embraced eLearning portal to allow running
of flexible programs that gives opportunities to all the students, hence giving them a lot of
opportunities to explore (Makokha & Mutisya, Aprill 2016). From the studies done, eLearning
portal is still developing although few institutions are embracing the technology. According to
Nagarajan and Jiji (2010) higher learning institutions in Kenya are under pressure from
government and education stakeholders to embrace technology in their operations. Lecturers are
advised to use computer and network-enabled devices to transfer skill and knowledge to the
learners. Institutions of higher learning have experienced different intakes due to use of
technology. However, those with online learning are experiencing high intakes than those
without the systems. With changes in technology and time, institutions are experiencing
challenges since most students are looking for an institution that can allow them to gain
knowledge and skills at their comfort. From the research done in India, Nigeria and in some of
the universities, colleges and higher learning institution in Kenya has proved the need for
2
, eLearning portal in this learning institutions (JI & N., 2016), (Ahmad, 2012) and (Okinda, 2014).
Therefore, it is evident that with the increasing number of students, institutions are not able to
handle the numbers and they need an alternative best way of accommodating everybody on
board. ELearning portal is the best way to go (Wende & Huisman, 2006). Those that are already
using the portal are enjoying benefits and large number of student enrollments. Higher learning
institutes must in a more diverse way cater for the expanding enrolments of student, market
forces and this can be achieved by implementing the use of eLearning system (Wende &
Huisman, 2006).
Countries and institutions at large should provide greater access to education and reality is that
they have to accept technology in doing that. What most employers and students need is
employability and career growth, which should be offered alongside the educational programs.
Universities that cling to past programs and approaches have discovered that students will take
their business to educational providers that best meets their needs. Mature working students
understand they have choices and priorities, and as much as they want to learn, they will go for a
flexible instructions that will allow them to do so without interfering with their jobs or other
programs. E-learning therefore gives a good opportunity to such students. Using this blended
approach, institutions can shorten semesters, offer more courses every semester, and reach
citizens throughout the country within their time limits (Ahmad, 2012).
With the concept of e-learning students are able to study anytime-anywhere, and therefore basic
education and up skilling becomes more available to more people. Furthermore, institutions must
also provide online registration, electronic access to institution services, and provide feedback as
and when required. This does not rule out the confronting challenges that come with technology.
Institutions are found in log head with technology are unable to transform the curriculum to
match with the technological in the changing environment. E-learning offers applications and
process like web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom and digital
collaborations which has replaced the board and chalk, and text-book classroom environment (JI
& N., 2016)
Statement of the problem
The National Polytechnics just like other technical colleges have the mandate to train technically
skilled personnel, not only to work in technical environments, but also in white color jobs
3
