Factors Influencing on Implementation of E-Learning for Teaching and Learning at Schools in Northern Province

Abstract

E-learning has become an increasingly important learning and teaching mode in recent decades and has been recognized as an efficient and effective learning method. The rapidly rising number of internet users with smart phones and tablets around the world has supported the spread of e-learning, not only in higher education and vocational training but also in primary and secondary schools. The objective of the study was to explore current level of implementation and the factors influencing on implementation of e-learning for teaching and learning at schools in Northern Province. The qualitative approach was employed for the study. The focus group discussions were conducted with teachers and students and key informant interviews were conducted with Principals and Educational Officers from Zonal Education Office, the Provincial Department of Education and Provincial Ministry of Education in Northern Province. Three Zones (Mannar, Mullaitivu and Jaffna) were selected and the purposive sample technique was adopted to select two schools from each Zone. The data were collected from key informant interviews of two Assistant Directors of Education (ICT and in-change for e-learning) from the Provincial Department of Education, Deputy Director of Education from Ministry of Education and three Assistant Directors of Education (ICT) from Zonal Education Office: Twelve focus group discussions were conducted with the students of Grade 9 to 11 and teachers who teach grade 6 to 11. Data were coded using Nvivo Pro 11 and a thematic analysis was performed in relation to the study objective. The finding reveals that the Northern Province has been implementing e-learning from Grade 9 to 13 particularly Science and Maths for Grade 9 to 11 and A.L Science Stream. Most of the content was developed with local expert teachers. Further result reveals that five main factors which are policy, people, pedagogy, resource and technology influence on implementation of e-learning for teaching and learning at schools in Northern Province.