Mobile Cloud Computing Based Technologies for Enhancing E-learning Content Delivery and Sharing in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania using Learner-Centered Approach

Electronic learning (E-learning) in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) offers a cost-effective teaching and learning that support social interactivity, flexibility, context sensitivity, and active participation of learners in learning activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the challenges facing the traditional E-learning tools and leverage the advanced capacity of Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) to enhance E-learning service delivery and sharing of learning resources focusing in learner-centered approach. Also, the evolvement of mobile computing devices such as smartphones, Personal Digital Assistance (PDA), and laptops owned by learners bring prospects in overcoming the inherent challenges facing HLIs in developing countries such as shortage of computer laboratories and network resources.Consequently, this study proposes MCC-based E-learning content delivery and sharing to augment higher learning institutions with limited resource setting in developing countries. The main benefits of MCC-based E-learning include, first, augment traditional LMS by provisioning abundant processing capacity and storage in the cloud that guarantee unlimited learning materials available for learners and instructors; Second, improves performance in local Learning Management System (LMS) servers by outsourcing execution and storage into the cloud especially when resource-intensive E-learning contents such as games, Virtual Reality (VR), and video streaming are used for learning; third, supports multi-platforms to execute the workload of various E-learning applications in the cloud which is potential for E-learning resource sharing; and fourth, guarantee cost-effective E-learning content delivery and sharing. Keywords: Mobile cloud computing, E-learning, content delivery, Learner-centered learning DOI: 10.7176/JIEA/13-2-03 Publication date:March 31st 202

E-Learning: can it help the education in Bangladesh?

E-Learning could be defined as instructional content or learning experiences delivered or enabled by the current advanced computer and other technologies. In many cases, especially in the developed countries, adoptions of E-Learning alongside the traditional classroom learning have shown promise for effective human learning. Being a developing country, adoption of E-Learning in Bangladesh stumbles, where many other factors come into play side by side the technological limitations. The intent of this paper is to identify the prospects and challenges for launching E-Learning in larger scale in Bangladesh. We also discuss how human learning process could be influenced by E-learning strategies and why E-Learning could be helpful for a country like Bangladesh

Converting E-Learning Into M-Learning Application Using MMCD

E-Learning system has dominated the internet-based distance education for the past two decades. With the advance of mobile technology, the use of mobile device as m-learning platform has now becoming a new way of e-learning that deliver knowledge at any time any place. However, the limitation of mobile devices compared to computers give challenges to the developers in developing good m-learning applications. Aspects such as content design, navigation design and mobile HCI are critical and need extra attention during the development phase. MMCD is a set of development framework and methodology designed for multimedia mobile content development using Flash Lite technology. This research will present the MMCD framework and methodology for converting e-learning application into m-learning application to ease and guide the development process

FACTORS INFLUENCING STRATEGIC USE OF WEBBASED PLATFORM AND ITS IMPACT ON EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY

Introducing web-based platforms in education process opens new era of technology for learning including huge challenges in education. Web-based learning could be considered as essential component fostering online learning and teaching. Various factors influencing the teachers while applying study materials in e-learning platform are investigated in the given research study. The author offers an indicative pattern of a standard content of eteaching materials, and investigates to what extent teaching materials available in MOODLE correspond to this standard pattern for ensuring comprehensive web-based e-learning and supporting effective collaboration system for the students and educator. For assessment the completeness level of e-materials available the composite coefficient is recommended as useful tool for educators who are interested in developing e-learning and e-teaching

“No we can’t use less words! Or can we?” Reflections on a journey into e-learning

Academics used to traditional styles of writing and presenting material are likely to find developing e-learning materials an unsettling experience. E-learning experts provide invaluable support throughout the process, but their guidance and feedback sounds uncannily like our advice to students: ‘What you are trying to do is far too ambitious!’; ‘What is the point you are making here?’ ‘Is all this detail necessary?’ The potential of e-learning for creative design is exciting, even seductive, until you are told that the image that links to the carefully crafted text does not work! This paper draws on our shared experiences, as academics and e-learning designers, of developing a set of e-learning objects on communication skills. Our collaboration has highlighted many challenges in the process of writing for e-learning. For example: • Determining the scope of a learning object and selecting appropriate content • Making the content engaging and interactive to hold the user’s attention • Using activities rather than text as the main vehicle for learning • Including all the information the user will need to achieve the learning objectives • Explaining complex points in simple and concise language • Choosing images and other design features that link effectively to the text • Adjusting to non-linear approaches to learning. Tackling these challenges has prompted us to rethink our teaching. We are now conscious of how our teaching materials rely on our presence to enthuse, to explain and to fill in the gaps. We have become more confident in our ability to convey complex ideas in simple language and more willing to experiment with creative and interactive forms of presentation. Most important of all we have been forced to rethink our assumptions about what is meant by a sound learning experience

E-Learning in Global Education: Challenges and Prospects for Science And Physical Education In Nigeria.

Global Education is concerned with the extent global development issues are integrated into the curriculum, whether formal or non-formal. Currently the innovations in global education are centered on structural shifts in the content of the curriculum, application of ICT and scientific innovations in education, ‘education for all’ including the disadvantaged group among others. The wave of globalization emphasizes knowledge creation and transfer, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. E-learning is at the centre of global education as it facilitates system consciousness, perspectives consciousness, preparedness and process mindedness, and involvement consciousness. Science and physical education in a developing country like Nigeria need that teaching and learning be electrically supported to face the challenges in out-of-classroom and in-classroom experiences. In the paper the place of e-learning in global education is x-rayed. The states of art in science education and physical education in Nigeria are examined. The challenges facing science education and physical education and the prospects thereof are highlighted. Keywords: E-learning, Global Education, Science Education, Physical Education and globalizatio

Strategies for sustainable access to electronic resources during COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Experience from the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries

The paper shares the strategies the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) adopted to provide access to electronic resources to its member libraries in COVID-19 pandemic era. It examines the challenges, opportunities COVID-19 brought and how CUUL managed to deliver its mandate during the pandemic. The study used a qualitative research approach and a survey research design. A structured online interview data collection tool was employed to collect the required information from the CUUL executive committee members and the electronic resources functional committee. Content analysismethod, with coding and categorization, was used for data analysis and presentation of findings. This paper creates awareness of the challenges, opportunities COVID-19 brought and strategies the CUUL used to sustain e-resources subscription since the outbreak of COVID-19. Funding and licensing costs are among the challenges mentioned while the opportunities were that the funders’ awareness of the need for e-resources and the online learning needs justified the need for e-resources sustainability by the consortium. Embracing open access initiatives, remote access and longer licensing period were among the strategies for e-resources sustainability. This paper provides effects and strategies for responding to global hazards that have the potential to affect consortium’s income for sustainable subscription to e-resources. It also adds literature on the impact of COVID-19 on university libraries in developing countries which is minima

Music Libraries and E-Readers: Perspectives from the Profession

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection of music libraries and e- readers by identifying key features, uses, and challenges of e-reader usage in the context of music libraries. Design/Methodology: This study surveyed 66 music librarian participants and analyzed the most important features and challenges of the devices. Findings: Findings showed that the variety of file formats supported is the most important feature and that content availability and cost pose the most significant challenges. Originality/Value: This study explores a new and developing area of library and collections technology that has been minimally investigated at this point

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON BORDER GUARDS TRAINING IN LATVIA, LITHUANIA, ESTONIA AND FINLAND.

Due to Covid-19 the use of educational technologies, efficient and meaningful implementation of digital learning possibilities have become particularly important topics in order to develop border guards training. Issues related to training online, communication via several platforms, possibilities do develop interactive training content, need to use the potential of e-learning opportunities have become routine topics of discussion and ongoing research. Trainers of border guard training institutions have to tackle unexpected, unexplored, challenges and tasks related to border guards training due to Covid-19. Digital competence is particularly important to implement efficient online communication environment. To find out training and learning outcomes and define further necessities of e-learning development during emergency situations the authors of this research explore the scientific literature on the current research results, methodologies, approaches and best practices on developing e-learning systems in educational contexts during Covid-19. Survey results on attitudes, experiences and suggestions of border guards’ trainers in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland have been analysed to put forward suggestions for further border guard training development particularly in e-learning context during emergency situations

ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE LEARNING IN AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING

There is a rich body of research done in online teaching and learning in the context of developing countries. However, there is a gap in research on challenges in the implementation of online learning in institutions of higher learning. Lecturers and students\u27 readiness for this shift from classroom-based to online learning is pivotal. The implementation of online learning strategies demands lecturers’ skills on integrating technology with content. This study examines the perceptions of lecturers as they transit from face-to-face to online learning in an institution of higher learning in one developing country. The study is framed theoretically by Suzuki and Keller\u27s Five-E Model for selecting the right model and techniques for appropriate purposes in online design. It used a qualitative research methodology and employed a convenient sampling technique to select three lecturers from each of the three institutions of interest. An open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data and follow up interviews were made. The study used a thematic approach to analyse data. The findings reveal that the lecturers embrace online learning mostly because they are aware that students enjoy learning technology and thus enhance understanding. The challenge raised is the shortage of gadgets which are needed by lecturers to support blended learning. Also, some of the students do not have access to the internet due to socio-economic challenges