A survey on e-learning experiences of law students during Covid-19 in Ghana [Scholarly Article - The Law Teacher, June 2022]

Title:

A survey on e-learning experiences of law students during Covid-19 in Ghana

 

Author:

Maame Efua Addadzi-Koom

Public Law Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, kumasi, Ghana

 

Published:

The Law Teacher, 13 June 2022

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03069400.2022.2077517?src=

 

Abstract:

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, e-learning is no longer a choice but a need. In Ghana, the Covid-19 induced e-learning continues to form an integral part of higher education in most universities. Focusing on law students’ perspectives on e-learning in Ghana, this study used online survey data from 204 respondents at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Faculty of Law. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings revealed, among other things, that although most law students enjoyed e-learning, they preferred blended learning to cater for the shortcomings of the former. The study argues that blended learning is a viable option for legal education in Ghana. As the first study on law students’ experiences of e-learning in Ghana during the pandemic, the study is timely and significant. The recommendations that follow from the study could be beneficial to legal education managers in Ghana and Africa.

Exploring Students' Acceptance of Google Classroom during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Using the Technology Acceptance Model in West Sumatera Universities [Scholarly Article - EJEL, 2021]

Title:

Exploring Students' Acceptance of Google Classroom during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Using the Technology Acceptance Model in West Sumatera Universities

 

Authors:

Ahmad Fauzi, Raju Wandira, Domi Sepri & Afdhil Hafid

 

Published:

Electronic Journal of e-Learning (EJEL), Volume 19, Number 4, 11 August 2021

https://academic-publishing.org/index.php/ejel/article/view/2348

 

Abstract:

The learning process in West Sumatera, Indonesia, changed into an online-based system due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which involved educators and students using many platforms of e-learning for teaching and learning. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the use of e-learning platforms among students at universities in West Sumatera, Indonesia, during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly widely used Google Classroom. This research employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by considering relevant external factors related to the pandemic situation and examining their effects on the acceptance of Google Classroom. A questionnaire was distributed from December 11th to December 31st, 2020, to collect data via an online-based survey. Using Cochran's formula with a confidence level of 95%, 383 students were selected as samples, while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied as a method for data analysis. The result showed that the facility had made the learning process easy for students, which influenced its usefulness. The facility is related to the possession of the required tools and knowledge to utilize the technology, alongside the significant effect on ease of use and usefulness. When adequately provided, the ease and benefit of using Google Classroom are maximally felt when distance learning is ongoing. Consequently, the ease of use positively influenced the benefits of the platform as its features were simple and benefited the students during the learning process. The usefulness of Google Classroom also had a positive influence on attitude towards the platform, and this variable finally determined the intention to use, which was significantly influenced by the perceived usefulness of e-learning. Therefore, this study shows that factors that determine facility, such as the internet, devices used by students, or knowledge to use Google Classroom, are important in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using e-Learning in University Education: Analyzing Students’ Perspectives [Scholarly Article - The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, May 2021]

Title:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using e-Learning in University Education: Analyzing Students’ Perspectives

 

Authors:

Alaa Zuhir Al Rawashdeh, Enaam Youssef Mohammed, Asma Rebhi Al Arab, Mahmoud Alara, Butheyna Al-Rawashdeh & Butheyna Al-Rawashdeh

 

Published:

The Electronic Journal of e-Learning (EJEL), Volume 19, Number 3 (17 May 2021)

https://academic-publishing.org/index.php/ejel/article/view/2168

 

Abstract:

The architecture of a learning system implies a heavy task for e-learning to be integrated into a complicated system that is flexible, time scalable, and capable of lasting, even though there are many diverse tools. Currently, higher education in United Arab Emirates is experiencing a major transformation, considering increased accessibility. Therefore, the study aims to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in university education in United Arab Emirates. A descriptive study design was used to randomly select students from Ajman university, who were enrolled in 2018/2019 academic year. A close-ended structured questionnaire was constructed to collect data from students. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data collected. 81% students stated that e-learning provides scientific material in an interesting way. Similarly, 80% students have responded that e-learning increases the possibility of contact between students among themselves and between the students and the teacher. 73% students indicated that due to increasing social isolation, they spend more time in front of the technical means of social interaction account and face-to-face with others. 70% students have indicated that there is a presence of electronic illiteracy among parents, which reduces their ability to follow their children electronically. It is essential for potential e-learners to understand the differences between an e-learning classroom setting and a conventional classroom setting as there are both advantages and disadvantages of e-learning to both environments that can probably influence their overall performance as a student.

 

SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi education portal among global top 4, says UNESCO official [Arab News, June 2021]

Title:

Saudi education portal among global top 4, says UNESCO official

 

Published:

Arab News, 23 June 2021

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1881511/saudi-arabia

From the article:

UNESCO’s assistant director general for education on Tuesday lauded Saudi Arabia for promptly switching over to online learning methods in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 

 

During a meeting with Saudi Education Minister Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh on the sidelines of the G20 education ministers’ meeting in Catania in Italy, Stefania Giannini said the Kingdom has achieved great success in e-learning and distance education during the pandemic.

The Shift to Online Education Paradigm due to COVID-19: A Study of Student’s Behavior in UAE Universities Environment [Scholarly Article - International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 2021]

Title:

The Shift to Online Education Paradigm due to COVID-19: A Study of Student’s Behavior in UAE Universities Environment

 

Author:

Liaqat Ali

Department of Information Technology, College of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

 

Published:

International Journal of Information and Education Technology, Volume 11, Number 3, pp. 131-136, 2021

http://www.ijiet.org/show-151-1752-1.html

Abstract:

The shift to an online education paradigm has been dramatically seen in educational systems and universities due to COVID-19 across the world, especially in United Arab Emirates. The emergence of COVID-19 forced educational institutions to divert all strategies from physical to online platforms for the safety of students, instructors and all the other staff members. However, this is not the case in educational institutions only because other governmental and non-governmental institutions are affected in the same way around the world. The objective of this research is to understand the behavior of students due to a sudden shift towards an online education experience in university environment and gauge their preference either on physical or online education system for the future. The research collected data through an online questionnaire from 210 undergraduate university students which further helped the researcher to draw the discussion and conclusion. The research proves that a high majority of students are willing to change from physical education to an online platforms and they believe that they can perform well by the adoption of this new platform of online education system. The research recommendations are helpful for the educational policy developers.   

Frontiers in Education (2020) - Development of key performance measures for e-learning knowledge systems: The case of higher education institutions in Taiwan

Title:

Development of key performance measures for e-learning knowledge systems: The case of higher education institutions in Taiwan

 

Authors:

Shu-Ping Chang,  Chihlee University of Technology, Taiwan

Sheng-Yi Wu, National Pingtung University, Taiwan

An-Chi Liu, Feng Chia University, Taiwan

Published:

Frontiers in Education, 5 October 2020

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.583562/abstract

Abstract:

To cope with the trend of e-learning and competition in global higher education, the Ministry of Education of Taiwan has promoted the ‘Project on deep ploughing of e-Learning’ to study the establishment of university e-learning knowledge systems, which will serve as a reference for universities to develop e-learning in response to the trends of the digital age. The research team developed a preliminary draft of the e-learning knowledge system through a literature review, modified it through the Delphi technique, and finally developed an e-learning knowledge system. The system consists of two dimensions: ‘organization’ and ‘teaching team’. The organization dimension is divided into the ‘level of preparation’ and ‘execution and implementation’ sub-dimensions. The dimension of the teaching team is divided into the ‘basic ability’ and ‘course design and application’ sub-dimensions for a total of 4 sub-dimensions. The dimensions and sub-dimensions are divided into levels, sub-levels, indicators, and the content of indicators. The results of the research include 2 dimensions, 4 sub-dimensions, 14 levels, 40 sub-levels, and 84 indicators.

Educause Review, 27 March 2020 - The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning

Title:
The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning

Authors:
Charles Hodges, Stephanie Moore, Barb Lockee, Torrey Trust & Aaron Bond

Published:
Educause Review, 27 March 2020

From the article:
Well-planned online learning experiences are meaningfully different from courses offered online in response to a crisis or disaster. Colleges and universities working to maintain instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic should understand those differences when evaluating this emergency remote teaching.

To read this article:
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-difference-between-emergency-remote-teaching-and-online-learning

The Conversation, 29 April 2020 - How South Africa can address digital inequalities in e-learning

Title:
How South Africa can address digital inequalities in e-learning

Author:
Mmaki Jantjies

Published:
The Conversation, 29 April 2020

From the article:
"The ongoing effects of the virus have kept pupils and teachers at home. This has necessitated a move to e-learning. In theory, this could be an important step towards a fairer education system. Digital platforms enable equitable access for learners to digital books, simulated science labs and related innovative learning resources."

To read this article:
https://theconversation.com/how-south-africa-can-address-digital-inequalities-in-e-learning-137086

Scholarly Article (2020) - Highlighting E‑learning Adoption Challenges using data Analysis Techniques: University of Kufa as a Case Study

Title:
Highlighting E‑learning Adoption Challenges using data Analysis Techniques: University of Kufa as a Case Study

Authors:
Ammar J.M. Karkar, Hayder K. Fatlawi & Ahmed A. Al-Jobouri

Published:
E-Journal of e-Learning (EJEL), volume 18, issue 2, February 2020
Available: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/ejel-volume18-issue2-article700.pdf

From the abstract:
"Electronic learning (e-learning) plays a significant role in improving the efficiency of the education process. However, in many cases in developing countries, technology transfer without consideration of technology acceptance factors has limited the impact of e-learning and the expected outcome of the education process. Therefore, this shift in learning method has been met with low enthusiasm from academic staff and students owing to its low perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use. The University of Kufa (UoK) in Iraq is considered a good case study because it has implemented the e-learning platform since 2013. The UoK platform is based on open-source Moodle owing to the latter’s advantages, such as low implementation cost, open community for support and continuous update and development. To identify and evaluate the challenges, this study uses a questionnaire survey that targets the level of adoption, implementation, familiarity and technology acceptance of staff and students."

Scholarly Article (March 2020) - Simulation-based education (SE) involving online and on-campus models in different European universities

Title:
Simulation-based education (SE) involving online and on-campus models in different European universities

Authors:
Neila Campos, Maria Nogal, Christina Caliz & Angel A. Juan

From the abstract:
"This paper provides a review of recent works in the SE subject, with a focus on the areas of engineering, science, and management. It also discusses some experiences in SE involving different European universities and learning models. Finally, it also points out open challenges as well as noticeable trends."

Citation:
Campos, N. [et al.]. (2020). Simulation-based education involving online and on-campus models in different European universities. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-0181-y