Maneuvering through E-Learning Platform: An Evaluation of Open Distance and E-learning in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda

Abstract

To foster the continuity of learning for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Uganda National Council of Higher Education approved Emergency Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL). Clarke International University (CIU) was among the first HEIs to receive approval. This survey aimed to evaluate the ease of maneuvering on the e-learning platform at the CIU. A cross-sectional study was conducted to survey 485 students between December 2020 and January 2021. Of the 485 participants, 79.8% (387) maneuvered quickly through the e-learning platform. The odds of maneuvering through the E-learning platform increased with Information Communication Technology (ICT) and E-Learning support (aOR,3.2:95%CI, 1.3-7.2), ability to self-enroll to the platform (aOR5.4:95%CI, 3.1-9.4), ODeL training and orientation (aOR,2.7: 95%CI, 1.5-4.8) and ownership of a computer/ smartphone (aOR 7.4: 95% CI, 2.2-25.2). Successful maneuvering can be bolstered through access to e-learning tools, such as computers and smartphones, ICT support, and adequate ODeL training and orientation for students to the e-learning platform.

Keywords

• maneuvering
• e-learning platform
• higher education institution
• odel
• uganda