EJEL Volume 6 Issue 2
April 2008
Exploring the e-Learning State of Art
Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi1, Love Ekenberg1, Henrik Hansson2, F.F Tusubira3 and Mats Danielson1
1Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Kista, Sweden
2Institute of International Education, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
3Directorate for ICT Support, Makerere University, Sweden
Abstract: e-Learning implementation is an area in progress that continues to evolve with time and further research. Researchers in the field argue that e-learning is still in its infancy, resulting into numerous implementation strategies across a wide e-learning spectrum. It is particularly interesting to note that even in supposedly mature contexts, such as university education, there are wide discrepancies. While some universities have achieved considerable benefit in the adoption of e-learning (Meredith and Newton 2003), others are still struggling to realize the attainment of the minimal educational value (Marshall and Mitchell 2002). This is the case despite the skilled and interested personnel as well as increasing number of students in many cases forcing universities to embrace this education venture.
In this paper we explore the e-learning state of art. We provide a general overview of the learning process, evaluating some current implementation trends from which we point out a range of frameworks and strategies used in the past decade. We further look at the changes created by the adoption of e-learning within the higher education process. This is followed by an identification of emerging issues from which two problems are identified; 1) the limited uptake of technology as an instruction delivery method; and 2) the ineffective use of technology to support learning. In respect to this, future research should therefore seek to further investigate these aspects and to explore suitable approaches for effective implementation of e-learning to support learning. Not the least in higher education contexts.
Keywords:
e-learning; learning, e-learning implementation; higher education, learning process, learning theories, learning methods
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