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Submitted
November 4, 2023
Published
December 28, 2023
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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

Article Details

Author Biographies

Florence Wamuyu Githinji , Clarke International University, Uganda

Florence has a great passion for fostering stakeholder engagement and benchmarking opportunities for Quality improvement in higher education. She has been involved in Quality Assurance activities, Monitoring and  Evaluation of University processes; Curriculum development, and accreditation. She is currently the Executive secretary of Uganda Universities Quality Assurance Forum.

Her Research areas of interest: (1) Strengthening Quality in Higher Education; (2) Non-Communicable Diseases; (3) Maternal and Child Health.

Florence was recognized as one of the 500 Top Ugandan  Scientists in the World Scientific and University  Ranking, 2022@ AD Scientific index Ltd, on account of her publications on health professionals education . 

Alimah Komuhangi, Clarke International University, Uganda

I am a result-oriented Public Health Specialist and a Monitoring and Evaluation expert with a
background in Orthopedic Medicine. I have seven years of experience in Health Education,
Community engagement and Research: coordinating and implementing community research
projects in rural and vulnerable communities such as slums and conflict emergency settings in
Uganda. I have been part of teams that have led interdisciplinary research projects involving
ministerial-level policy decisions and grassroots initiatives, specifically handling data management,
analysis, and report writing. As a community engagement coordinator at Clarke International
University, I have established internal and external partners, mobilized funds, trained volunteers in
data collection, management and interpretation of research findings. As a senior lecturer, teaching
Bachelors and Masters level students; I have impacted monitoring and evaluation knowledge and
skills to next-generation researchers that have translated to practical skills and projects in
communities in low-developing countries such as Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Nigeria.

Rose Clarke Nanyonga, Clarke International University, Uganda

Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga has been the Vice Chancellor at Clarke International University since July 3rd, 2017.  From August 3rd, 2015, to June 30th 2017, she served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Ag. Vice Chancellor.  She also holds a Senior Faculty position teaching Health Policy and Planning and Advanced Strategic Management.  She received her education as follows: Bachelor of Science-Nursing (Arkansas Tech University, 2002).  Master of Science in Nursing (Baylor University, 2005).  Ph.D. in Nursing (Yale University, 2015).  Graduate Certificate: Global Health from the Whitney and Betty McMillan Center for International Studies at Yale University in 2015.  She is a Jonas Scholar (Yale), Distinguished Alumnae (Yale-2018), and Hall of Distinction Scholar (ATU-2020).  Research interests: Non-Communicable Diseases (Hypertension); Health Systems Strengthening.

How to Cite
Githinji , F. W., Komuhangi, A., & Nanyonga, R. C. (2023). Maneuvering through E-Learning Platform: An Evaluation of Open Distance and E-learning in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda. Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(2). Retrieved from https://journals.aua.ke/pajes/article/view/472
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