E-EDUCATION IN GHANA: IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES

Evans Kojo Acheampong

©GIMPA-SPSG, 2013

PRESENTED BY

∗ E-Education refers to the application of internet technology to the delivery of learning experiences. (Whitmyer & Grime,1997)

• E-Education is also referred to as e-learning which makes use of information and communication technology or electronic media. (en.wikipedia.org).

• Essentially, e-learning is technology-enhanced learning.

• In summary, E-mail+ E-meetings+ E-expeditions+ E-learning= -education.

WHAT IS E-EDUCATION?

• Synchronous and asynchronous: Synchronous learning occurs in real-time,

with all participants interacting at the same time, while asynchronous

learning is self-paced and allows participants to engage in the exchange of

ideas or information without the dependency of other participants ′

involvement at the same time.

• Linear learning: Self-paced learning activities delivered on a computer or

handheld device such as a tablet or smartphone.

• Collaborative learning: Uses instructional methods designed to encourage

or require students to work together on learning tasks.

EDUCATIONAL APPROACH TO E-LEARNING

Technology used in e-learning include;

• Audio

• Video

• Computers; tablets and mobile devices

• Blogging

• Webcam

• Whiteboards

• Screen casting

TECHNOLOGY USED IN E-LEARNING

Basic Schools•ICT is used in teaching and learning•Teachers or educators at this level exchange ideas via internet•Pupils are exposed to their immediate world via internet•There is foundational ICT learning at this level (Building pupils for future ICT use)

APPLICATION OF E-LEARNING IN GHANA

Second-cycle schools

•E-learning has registered students on-line•E-learning has provided a powerful library for all students•E-learning is used for monitoring and evaluation

APPLICATION OF E-LEARNING IN GHANA

∗ Tertiary Institutions.• E-learning is used to obtain first degree

and masters degree.• E-learning has networked academic

programs• E-learning allows student to chat

experiences• E-learning has encouraged more students

to take online and distance courses• E-learning has provided convenient

learning environment for both lecturers and students

APPLICATION OF E-LEARNING IN GHANA

Corporate and professional education.

•E-learning has provided professional training to both private and civil servants

•E-Learning has provided training guide for professionals from all background

•E-learning has provided consumer guide to the public

APPLICATION OF E-LEARNING IN GHANA

∗ Key advantages of e-learning include:

• Improved open access to education, including access to full degree programs

• Better integration for non-full-time students, particularly in continuing education

• Improved interactions between students and instructors

• Provision of tools to enable students to independently solve problems

• Acquisition of technological skills through practice with tools and computers.

ADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING IN GHANA

∗ Key disadvantages of e-learning includes:

• Potential distractions that hinder true learning

∗ Bias towards tech-savvy students over non-technical students

• Teachers' lack of knowledge and experience to manage virtual teacher-student interaction

• Lack of social interaction between teacher and students

• Lack of direct and immediate feedback from teachers

• Danger of procrastination.

DISADVANTAGES OF E-EDUCATION IN GHANA

•E- learning has improved open access to education •E-learning has integrated non-full-time students education•It has improved interactions between students and instructors•It has provided tools to enable students to independently solve problems.

IMPACT OF E-EDUCATION IN GHANA

∗ Brain drain which has resulted in the lack of the critical mass of ICT-engineers and scientists relevant for undertaking ICT-related project professionally.

• Lack of an enabling environment and sound ICT-roadmap and strategies by policy makers

• High running and subscription costs • Poor Quality of Service of the internet and telecommunication

services • Effective management of network traffic and infrastructure

CHALLENGES FACING E-EDUCATION IN GHANA

∗ In order to attain greater heights in ICT to improve e-education;

∗ Institutions responsible for development of scientific and technological capabilities must be strengthened and provide products that will meet the local needs

∗ Computer science departments in the universities must train more ICT professionals to develop innovative ideas to improve the distant education infrastructure.

∗ The ICT awareness must be heightened among the various organs of government.

THE FUTURE OF E-EDUCATION IN GHANA

∗ . e-education is not a completely new phenomenon to Ghana’s educational landscape. However, it calls for a concerted effort to increase the level of its appreciation in our educational institutions for better results.

CONCLUSION