Factors Influencing Virtual Learning System Usage in Higher Education

Author(s):  
Indira Padayachee

Virtual learning systems (VLSs), commonly referred to as learning or course management systems, have been formally adopted at many higher education institutions. However, knowledge of the actual usage of VLSs is limited in terms of what specific functional and non-functional characteristics are deemed useful and how this influences system usage. Furthermore, little is known about the role of other non-system-related factors related to VLS usage, such as pedagogic, organisational, and individual difference factors. This chapter proposes and describes the virtual learning system usage model (VLSUM), which represents the factors influencing VLS usage in higher education institutions. The VLSUM is based on a conceptual framework integrating multiple dimensions and is confirmed by the results of an empirical study. A mixed-methods research design was adopted in the development of the VSLUM. This model is valuable to educational technologists, instructional designers, and software designers for VLS implementation in higher education.

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Indira Padayachee

In higher education institutions, digital learning environments, referred to as virtual learning systems in this article, have been adopted and are becoming increasingly popular among academics. A virtual learning system (VLS) has a suite of tools with associated functions and non-functional system characteristics. Higher education institutions (HEIs) implement a VLS with the intent to assimilate e-Learning with face-to-face instruction and thereby derive associated benefits from its usage. Currently there is limited information on educators’ perceptions on the usefulness of VLS tool functionality, and the importance assigned to non-functional characteristics. This article adapted the generic framework of the ISO 9126 external software quality model to ascertain the perceptions of educators with regards to VLS functionality and non-functional quality characteristics. A case study research strategy was adopted, using two South African higher education institutions. The main contribution of this article is a proposed model representing VLS quality in use characteristics, measured by the constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived importance. In addition to the theoretical contribution, this article makes a practical contribution by providing educators’ recommendations on the improvement of VLS quality characteristics. This article has potentially useful implications for the use of a VLS by educators and future VLS design iterations.


2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Ridge ◽  
Samar Farah

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other surrounding Gulf Arab nations an increasing number of males are opting out of higher education. In the UAE less than 30% of students attending public higher education institutions are male. Little however is known about why some males choose to continue their education and others do not. This policy paper, which is drawn from the first part of a study on understanding male enrolment patterns in the UAE, looks at a sample of males who have continued on to higher education. The paper begins with an overview of higher education in the UAE. It then looks at the factors influencing the participation and persistence of males in general. Next it outlines the study from which the data presented was taken, taking a closer look at the characteristics of males who have continued to higher education, including the roles of parents, schools and friends. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing the challenges facing males who choose to continue their education and how these might be dealt with in the future


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Rita Rahayu

This study aims to analyze the level of readiness of higher education institutions in implementing e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this study also tries to analyze the level of satisfaction in using e-learning at higher education. This study applied a survey method by sending online questionnaires to lecturers at various universities in West Sumatra. 112 respondents participated in this study. Based on the data, it was found that the level of technological readiness and human resources readiness at universities in West Sumatra are in the ready category, but still need a little improvement. Meanwhile, the levels of readiness of innovation and self-development are categorized as unprepared, and need improvement. Furthermore, this study also shows that the level of satisfaction of e-learning users is still quite satisfied.


10.29007/nptx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seapei Nozimbali Mogoane ◽  
Salah Kabanda

This study examines the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in addressing cybersecurity challenges, in the wake of a prominent shortage of skills, specifically those related to information and cybersecurity professionals. Using qualitative semi structured interviews, the study sought to identify the factors influencing the offering of an information and cybersecurity curriculum at HEIs. The findings show that internal influencing factors were top management and individual academic’s awareness of information and cybersecurity, internal expertise, offering the program only at postgraduate level, and the workload and bureaucracy associated with having the program. External factors perceived to influence information and cybersecurity curriculum at HEIs include pressure from industry and stakeholders as well as institutional bodies that help shape curriculum development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Rahmat Yusny ◽  
Ghufran Ibnu Yasa

Recently there has been a great interest invested in maximizing higher education students’ knowledge retention as well as increasing students learning experience using web technologies. Many higher education institutions upgrade their learning facilities by integrating virtual learning system to their education provisions. Educational content management system is now a primary requirement in higher education provisions. However, as for the context of Indonesian higher education, upgrading the learning system may mean a total change of the way classes are delivered. Most of Indonesian higher education teachers are those with minimal exposure of virtual technological use in classrooms. Although these teachers are familiar with the common internet tools especially the electronic mail system and internet social media, they are not yet familiar with managing a content management system. Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) ar-Raniry is one of Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Negeri (PTKIN) that share similar context. This study was conducted to explore UIN Ar-Raniry teachers’ readiness in delivering blended learning using Virtual Learning Environment. 124 teachers were participating in this research. The index of technological acceptance is relatively high (3.78). However, on the contrary digital technology use related to delivering lecture is relatively low. The use of e-mail and facebook is relatively popular among these teachers. The study found that teachers are interested in using more convenient digital tools in their classes if the university supports the trainings and assigns educational technology consultant to help them establish the virtual class and help with their technical troubles.


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