E-Learning at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana-Are our Distance Education Students Technologically Ready?

Abstract

.Since the adoption of e-learning involves high investment cost, Educational Institutions are expected conduct considerable up-front analysis to assess readiness among their stakeholders-lecturers, administrators and students in order to derive maximum benefit. Thus the study was conducted to measure University of Cape Coast Distance Education (UCC DE) students’ perceived readiness to engage in e-learning. The research design adapted was a descriptive survey, using open- and close-ended questionnaire developed through literature search to solicit responses from students’ readiness (self-assessment or perception). The results show that majority of DE students have diverse basic computing and Internet skills with regular Internet access. However, they have very little or no experience with LMS tools and majority are less freely willing to fund their e-learning activities. The study then recommended ICT and e-learning skills training as a solution to reduce or minimise the identified deficiencies.