Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Open, Distance, and E-learning Education in Kenya

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
The Education Systems of Africa

Part of the book series: Global Education Systems ((GES))

  • 57 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter shall explore the evolution of e-learning in Kenya from the early days to date. This exploration shall be done in terms of the definition and elaboration of the concept of e-learning, the numerous advantages of e-learning, inception of e-learning in Kenya and adoption of e-learning in higher institutions of learning in Kenya, challenges that have hindered successful adoption of e-learning in Kenya, and the future of e-learning. E-learning is a form of distance learning that makes use of ICT devices to facilitate instructional sessions between online learners and their supervisors over a technological platform. E-learning in the Kenya started off through the African Virtual Universities and eventually moved on into being established at independent institutional levels. E-learning in higher institutions of learning has faced several obstacles which include infrastructural challenges, individual challenges, as well as instructional challenges. However, institutions are encouraged to adopt the problem-solving approach in addressing these challenges since e-learning is foreseen as the mode of learning for the twenty-first century. The future of e-learning is pegged on high flexibility of study schedules for learners, wide range of course selection, customized learning experiences, and redesigned classrooms to cater adequately for individual needs of students.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Al-Aulamie, A., Mansour, A., Daly, H., & Adjei, O. (2012, June). The effect of intrinsic motivation on learners’ behavioural intention to use e-learning systems. In 2012 International Conference on information technology based higher education and training (ITHET) (pp. 1–4). IEEE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Algahtani, A.F. (2011). Evaluating the effectiveness of the E-learning experience in some universities in Saudi Arabia from male students’ perceptions, Durham theses, Durham University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Imarah, A. A., & Shields, R. (2019). MOOCs, disruptive innovation and the future of higher education: A conceptual analysis. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 56(3), 258–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alkorful, V., &, Abaido, N. (2014). The role of E-learning, the advantages and disadvantages of E-learning of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Education and Research, 2(12). Retrieved from: ijern.com/journal/2014/December-2014/34.pdf

  • Alqurashi, E. (2019). Predicting student satisfaction and perceived learning in online learning environments. Distance Education, 40(1), 133–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anyona, J. (2009). The status and challenges of open and distance learning academic in Kenyan Public Universities. Kenyan Universities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Appana, S. (2008). A review of the benefits and the limitations of online learning in the context of the student, instructor and the tenured faculty. International Journal of E-learning, 7(2), 5–22. The University of South Pacific.

    Google Scholar 

  • Basak, K. S., Wotto, M., & Belanger, P. (2018). E-learning, M-learning and D-learning: Conceptual definition and comparative analysis. E-Learning and Digital Media, 15(4), 191–216. SAGE.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brady, M., Devitt, A., & Kiersey, R. A. (2019). Academic staff perspectives on technology for assessment (TfA) in higher education: A systematic literature review. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(6), 3080–3098.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhury, S., & Pattnaik, S. (2020). Emerging themes in e-learning: A review from the stakeholders' perspective. Computers & Education, 144, 103657.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Common Wealth of Education. (2003). Planning and implementing open distance and E-learning. A handbook for decision makers. Vancouver: Col.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, C., Greenaway, R., Moore, M., & Cooper, L. (2019). Online teaching in social work education: Understanding the challenges. Australian Social Work, 72(1), 34–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, R. A., & Bliuc, A. M. (2019). Exploring new elements of the student approaches to learning framework: The role of online learning technologies in student learning. Active Learning in Higher Education, 20(1), 11–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, R. A., Ginns, P., & Piggott, L. (2009). E-learning in higher education: Some key aspects and their relationship to approaches to study. Higher Education Research & Development, 28(3), 303. Retrieved from http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/07294360902839909

  • González-Videgaray, M. (2007). Evaluación de la reacción de alumnos y docentes en un modelo mixto de aprendizaje para educación superior. Relieve, 13(1). Retrieved from http://www.uv.es/RELIEVEv13n1/RELIEVEv13n1_4.htm

  • Guragain, N. (2016). E-learning benefits and applications. Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

    Google Scholar 

  • He, W., Xu, G., & Kruck, S. E. (2019). Online IS education for the 21st century. Journal of Information Systems Education, 25(2), 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, B., & Gardner, J. (2006). E-learning: Concepts and practice. London: SAGE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karanja, D., & Ooko, M. (2020). Role of ICT in literacy education in Kenya. Unpublished paper.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiget, N. K., Wanyembi, G., & Anselemo, I. P. (2014). Evaluating the usability of e-learning systems in universities. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications 5(8), 97–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiguru, G., Mwangi, P., & Nthiga, P. (2019). Bridging the distance in distance E-learning. Msingi Journal, 1(2), 38–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korhonen, A. M., Ruhalahti, S., & Veermans, M. (2019). The online learning process and scaffolding in student teachers’ personal learning environments. Education and Information Technologies, 24(1), 755–779.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, M. (2018). What is the future of online learning in higher education? The Tech Advocate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maican, C. I., Cazan, A. M., Lixandroiu, R. C., & Dovleac, L. (2019). A study on academic staff personality and technology acceptance: The case of communication and collaboration applications. Computers & Education, 128, 113–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merriam, S. B., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Namisiko, P., Munialo, C., & Nyongesa, S. (2014). Towards an optimization framework for e-learning in developing countries: A case of private universities in Kenya. Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 2(2), 131–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njihia, M., Mwaniki, E., Ireri, A., & Chege, F. (2016). Uptake of open, distance and E-learning Programmes in Kenya. A case of Kenyatta University, Kenya. Kenyatta University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njihia, M., Mwaniki, E., Ireri, A., & Chege, F. (2020). Obstacles to successful uptake of open distance and E-learning (ODEL) Programmes: A case of Kenyatta university, Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyerere, J. A., Gravenir, F. Q., & Mse, G. S. (2012). Delivery of open, distance, and e-learning in Kenya. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 13(3), 185–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olofsson, A. D., & Lindberg, J. O. (2020). Informed design of educational technologies in higher education: Enhanced learning and teaching. Simulation, 379.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ooko, M. (2016). Digital literacy for teachers and online learners. Utafiti Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ooko, M. (2017). Students’Attitudes and perception of technology usage in learning and teaching: The case of distance learning program in African Nazarene University, Kenya. Retrieved from: http://www.iosrjournals.org/

  • Raba, M. (2005). E-learning. Jordan: Dar Almnahej Publisher.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raju, P. R. K. (2019). E-learning boon or bane. An HRD perspective. Retrieve on 24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reich, J., & Ruipérez-Valiente, J. A. (2019). The MOOC pivot. Science, 363(6423), 130–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahawel, W. (2014). African virtual university to launch 29 e-learning centres. University World News.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sangrà, A., Vlachopoulos, D., & Cabrera, N. (2012). Building an inclusive definition of E-learning. An approach to the conceptual framework. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Retrieved from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ983277.pdf

  • Tarus, K. J., Gichoya, D., & Muumno, A. (2015). Challenges of implementing E-Learning academic in Kenya. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v16i1.1816.

  • UNESCO. (2000). Analytical survey of distance education for the Information Society, Policies, Pedagogy and Professional Development. Moscow: UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO, IITE).

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO (2002). Open and Distance Learning: Trends, Policy and Strategy Consideration. University System. In D. N. Ezeh & N. Onyegegbu (Eds.), Knowledge Generation and Dissemination: Issues and Challenges in Nigerian Universities. Enugu: Pearls & Gold.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO Institute for Statistics. (2015). Challenges of measuring ICT in education in Sub-saharan Africa. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. UNESCO

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, J., & Hu, Z. (2016). Is online learning the future of education? World Economic Forum. Retrieved from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/09/is-online-learning-the-future-of-education/

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Unit for Distance Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Dr. Mary Ooko

Authors
  1. Dr. Mary Ooko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary Ooko .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Kolawole Samuel Adeyemo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Ooko, M. (2020). Open, Distance, and E-learning Education in Kenya. In: Adeyemo, K.S. (eds) The Education Systems of Africa. Global Education Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43042-9_38-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43042-9_38-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-43042-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-43042-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation