Browsing by Author "Nampijja, Dianah"

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    Contextualisation of eLearning Systems in Higher Education Institutions
    (Springer Nature, 2017) Gwamba, Gerald; Renken, Jaco; Nampijja, Dianah; Mayende, Godfrey; Birevu Muyinda, Paul
    The proliferation of digital technologies, and the emergence of global lifelong learning has steered the transformation of education from the predominant classroom based learning to more flexible technology enhanced learning. However, realizing technology enhanced learning’s much anticipated benefits towards improving the educational potential of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Developing Countries (DCs) is still a challenge because of the high information systems failure rate. Research suggests potentially substantial misalignment between DC HEIs’ E-Learning Management Systems (ELMS) and their institutional contexts. To explore this gap, this research employs a qualitative approach based on a case study of the Makerere University Electronic Learning Environment (MUELE). We employ the Aparicio eLearning systems theoretical framework to explore the extent to which DC HEIs are aligning their ELMS within their institutional contexts. Results indicate that, ELMS are not aligned to the context of DC HEIs implying that stringent measures need to be taken to close misalignment gaps.
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    Lived Experience of Developing a Blended Learning Academic Programme in a Traditionally Presential University
    (Pan-Commonwealth Forum, 2019) Muyinda, Paul Birevu; Siminyu, Samuel Ndeda; Aguti, Jessica Norah; Mayende, Godfrey; Nampijja, Dianah; Kajumbula, Richard; Mayanja, Jamiah; Ssebbowa, Dorothy Kyagaba; Nabushawo, Harriet; Kabugo, David; Walimbwa, Michael; Mbulankende, Julius Shopi; Turyakira, Nazarius; Isabwe, Ghislain Maurice Nobert
    Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are presenting pedagogical affordances that are not only being embraced by open distance learning universities but also traditional presential universities. Presential universities are adopting blended learning and teaching approaches in their provisions albeit with some resistance from some staff. This paper shares the experiences and lessons learned from developing the Master of Instructional Design and Technology (MIDT) blended learning curriculum in a traditional presential university. The lessons are drawn from three (3) research questions, namely: 1) What process steps are traditional presential universities taking in the design and development of blended learning curriculum? 2) What is compelling presential universities to adopt blended learning? 3) How are presential universities metamorphosing into blended learning? The paper takes a case study approach employing in-depth document analysis and personal experience explications from staff at the heart of developing curriculum. Findings indicate that contemporary realities such as globalization, increased emphasis on learner-centeredness, increased proliferation of ICTs and others are disrupting the ivory tower traditions and practices of presential universities. These universities are being compelled to open up their gates to non-traditional learners through blended learning, but with a lot more caution. The caution is evidenced by the great amount of rigor invoked in the process of approving blended learning curricula as compared to traditional face-to-face curricula. As such champions of blended learning curricula in presential universities should be prepared to spend more time, energy and resources to have blended learning curricula approved. Putting in place policies and strategies for spurring blended learning; sensitizing staff on the affordances of blended learning and training faculty on how to employ blended pedagogy should take centre stage. Further, the top management of these universities need to be involved at all levels of blended learning curriculum development.