Students’ perceptions on incorporating e-learning into teaching and learning at the University of Ghana

Abstract

Technological advancement has led to significant changes in the way university education is being provided in the developed countries. Whilst their universities have made great strides in addressing issues of access, cost of higher education and quality through e-learning, Africans are in the 21st century still grappling with these issues. Although the University of Ghana has as one of its strategic directions, the introduction of e-learning, very little information has been provided on its policy direction. This study which is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), examines students’ perceptions on incorporating e-learning into teaching and learning. Using survey research, a total of 534 responded to the survey which relied on the questionnaire. Results from the study show that students entered the university with computer skills which are critical to the introduction of e-learning; male students were more likely to use the internet than female students; there was a relationship between the length of time students have been using the internet and frequency of use of the internet; students preferred mixed mode and web supplemented courses in the immediate future than web dependent and fully online courses. To make e-learning a reality there should some further strategies to improve access to personal computers, improve the broadband width. Special efforts should be made to target female students to use the internet to improve their computer skills.