International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science (IJMECS)
IJMECS Vol. 4, No. 2, 8 Feb. 2012
Cover page and Table of Contents: PDF (size: 144KB)
Issues of Technical Support for e-Learning Systems in Higher Education Institutions
Full Text (PDF, 144KB), PP.38-44
Views: 0 Downloads: 0
Author(s)
Index Terms
ICTs, ETS, ePedagogy, eLearning, eReadiness
Abstract
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided several tools to facilitate higher education. However, their effective use demands technical expertise to achieve the required academic goals. The university constituents (teachers, students and administrators) are given eTraining but this is not enough. Every eLearning system establishes a basic ‘infrastructure’ of computers, networks, communications and a technical department filled with ICT professionals to consistently maintain and upgrade the infrastructure, train the users and continuously provide technical support as and when required by them. Given the non-stop nature of technical support for eLearning, HEIs are facing issues in creating robust infrastructural facilities that are both competitive with the external environment and compatible with the internal user requirements. This article is a compendium of the touchy aspects in sustained technical support for eLearning in HEIs.
Cite This Paper
Allah Nawaz, Muhammad Zubair Khan, "Issues of Technical Support for e-Learning Systems in Higher Education Institutions", International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science (IJMECS), vol.4, no.2, pp.38-44, 2012. DOI:10.5815/ijmecs.2012.02.06
Reference
[1]L.V. Tinio. ICT in education. Presented by UNDP for the benefit of participants to the World Summit on the Information Society. UNDP’s regional project, the Asia-Pacific Development Information Program (APDIP), in association with the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 2002. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.apdip.net/publications/ iespprimers/eprimer-edu.pdf.
[2]J. Hvorecký., V.S. Manažmentu., & P. Cesta. “Can E-learning break the Digital Divide?” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[3]A.S. Sife., E.T. Lwoga., & C. Sanga. “New technologies for teaching and learning: Challenges for higher learning institutions in developing countries.” International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, 3(1), 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu//.
[4]A. Nawaz. “Using eLearning as a tool for ‘education for all’ in developing states.” International Journal of Science and Technology Education Research (IJSTER), 1(6), 2010.
[5]D.E. Gray., M. Ryan., & A. Coulon. “The Training of Teachers and Trainers: Innovative Practices, Skills and Competencies in the use of eLearning.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2003. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[6]G. Valdez., K. Fulton., A. Glenn., N.A. Wimmer., & R. Blomeyer. “Effective Technology Integration in Teacher Education: A Comparative Study of Six Programs.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 1(1), 2004. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[7]A. Nawaz., G.M. Kundi., & B.D. Shah. “Metaphorical interpretations of information systems failure.” Peshawar University Teachers’ Association Journal, 14, 15-26, 2007.
[8]Q.A. Qureshi., S. Ahmad., Najibullah., A. Nawaz., & B. Shah. “eLearning development in HEIs: Uncomfortable and comfortable zones for developing countries.” Gomal University Journal of Research (GUJR), 25(2), 47-56, 2009.
[9]A. Nawaz., & Q.A. Qureshi. “E-Teaching/E-Pedagogy: Threats & Opportunities for teachers in HEIs.” Global Journal of Management & Business Research (GJMBR), 10(9):23-31, 2010b.
[10]S. Sirkemaa. “Information technology in developing a meta-learning environment.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2001. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[11]R. Stephenson. “Open Source/Open Course: Learning Lessons for Educators from Free and Open Source Software.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 3(1), Oct/Nov. 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[12]T. Nyvang. “Implementation of ICT in Higher Education as Interacting Activity Systems.” 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.networked learningconference.org.uk/abstracts/pdfs/P27%20Nyvang.pdf
[13]A. Nawaz. & G.M. Kundi. “Digital literacy: An analysis of the contemporary paradigms.” Journal of Science and Technology Education Research (JSTER), 1(2):19-29, 2010b.
[14]ADB. “Sector Assistance Program Evaluation for the Social Sectors in Pakistan SAP:PAK.” July, 2005. Operations Evaluation Department. Asian Development Bank. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.adb.org/ Evaluation/ methods.asp.
[15]T. Hameed. “ICT as an enabler of socio-economic development.” 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/digitalbridges/ materials/hameed-paper.pdf.
[16]H.B. Moolman., & S. Blignaut. “Get set! e-Ready, … e-Learn! The e-Readiness of Warehouse Workers.” Journal of Educational. Technology & Society, 11 (1), 168-182, 2008. Retrieved April 10, 2011 from http://www.ask4research.info/.
[17]A. Nawaz., Z. Awan., & B. Ahmad. “Integrating educational technologies in higher education of the developing countries.” Journal of Education and Practice, 2(2), 2011.
[18]J. Buzhardt., & L. Heitzman-Powell. “Stop blaming the teachers: The role of usability testing in bridging the gap between educators and technology.” Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education, 4, 13, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume3No1/.
[19]A. Nawaz., & Q.A. Qureshi. “Sustained technical support: Issues & prospects for eLearning in HEIs.” Global Journal of Management & Business Research (GJMBR), 10(9):32-39, 2010a.
[20]D. Dinevski., & D.P. Kokol. “ICT and Lifelong Learning.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[21]N. Manochehr. “The influence of learning styles on learners in E-Learning Environments: An empirical study.” Computers in Higher Education and Economics Review, 18, 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2011 from http”//www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk/cheer.htm.
[22]C. Dalsgaard. “Social Software: E-learning beyond learning management systems.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2006. Retrieved August 09, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[23]K. Barnes., R.C. Marateo., & S.P. Ferris. “Teaching and learning with net generation.” Innovate Journal of Online Education. 3(4): 2007. Retrieved August 09, 2011, from http://innovateonline.info.
[24]S.A. Mokhtar., R.A. Alias., & A. Abdul-Rahman. “Academic computing at Malaysian colleges.” International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, 3(2): 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http:ijedict.dec.uwi.edu//.
[25]Y. Zhao., & F.B. LeAnna. “Can teacher technology integration training alone lead to high levels of technology integration? A qualitative look at teachers’ technology integration after sate mandate technology training.” Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education, 5, 53-62. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://ejite.isu.edu/volume5No1/.
[26]H. Macleod. “What role can educational multimedia play in narrowing the digital divide?” International Journal of Education and Development using ICT. 1(4): 2005. Retrieved August 09, 2011, from http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu//.
[27]P.J. Ågerfalk., G. Goldkuhl., B. Fitzgerald., & L. Bannon. “Reflecting on action in language, organizations and information systems.” European Journal of Information Systems, 15: 4-8, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 20117, from http://www. palgrave-journals.com/ejis/.
[28]D. Stockley. “Strategic Planning for Technological Innovation in Canadian Post Secondary Education.” Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 30(2), Spring, 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.cjlt.ca/.
[29]T. Pfeffer. “Open sources for higher education. Do information technologies change the definition of public and private goods?” CHER 17th Annual Conference, Enschede, The Netherlands, 17-19 September 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.iff.ac.at/hofo/pfeffer/2004_Pfeffer _open_sources_CHER.doc.
[30]M. Valcke. “ICT in higher education: An uncomfortable zone for institutes and their policies,” In R. Atkinson, C. McBeath, D. Jonas-Dwyer & R. Phillips (Eds), Beyond the comfort zone: Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference (pp. 20-35). Perth, 5-8 December, 2004. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/perth04/procs/valcke-keynote.html.
[31]Z. Ezziane. “Information Technology Literacy: Implications on Teaching and Learning.” Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 10 (3), 175-191, 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.ask4research.info/.
[32]D. Lewis., & R. Goodison. Enhancing learning with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Higher Education. Research Report RR533, Department for Education and Skills. © University of Wolverhampton, 2004, ISBN 1 84478 225 5. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.dfes.gov.uk/ research/data/uploadfiles/RR533.pdf.
[33]S. Juniu. “Digital Democracy in Higher Education Bridging the Digital Divide.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 2(1), October/November, 2005. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[34]A. Nawaz., & G.M. Kundi. “Predictor of e-learning development and use practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) of NWFP, Pakistan.” Journal of Science and Technology Education Research (JSTER), 1(3):44-54, 2010a.
[35]R.J. Hawkins. “Ten Lessons for ICT and Education in the Developing World,” 2002. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.cid.harvard.edu/cr/pdf/ gitrr2002_ch04.pdf.
[36]B. Sasseville. “Integrating Information and Communication Technology in the Classroom: A Comparative Discourse Analysis.” Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 30(2), Spring, 2004. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://www.cjlt.ca/.
[37]E. Klonoski. “Cost-Saving Collaboration: Purchasing and Deploying a Statewide Learning Management System.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 1(4), April/May, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[38]S. Kopyc. “Enhancing Teaching with Technology: Are We There Yet?” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 3(2), 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[39]A. Nawaz. “Users’ training: The predictor of successful eLearning in HEIs.” Global Journal of Computer Science & Technology (GJCST), 11(4):1-8, 2011.
[40]A. Aviram., & Y. Eshet-Alkalai. “Towards a Theory of Digital Literacy: Three Scenarios for the Next Steps.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2006. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[41]G.M. Kundi., & A. Nawaz. “From objectivism to social constructivism: The impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on higher education.” Journal of Science and Technology Education Research (JSTER), 1(2):30-36, 2010.
[42]T. Nyvang. Implementation of ICT in higher education: A case study of teachers implementing ICT into their teaching practice. 2003. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.intermedia.uib.no/cscl/doc/files/Nyvang.pdf.
[43]S. LaCour. “The future of integration, personalization, and ePortfolio technologies.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 1(4), April/May, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[44]F.E. Blázquez., & L.A. Díaz. “A Training Proposal for e-Learning Teachers.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2006. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.
[45]P. Carey., & B. Gleason. “Vision 2010: The Future of Higher Education Business and Learning Applications.” Innovate Journal of Online Education, 3(1). Oct/Nov, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from http://Innovateonline.info.
[46]Q.A. Qureshi., A. Nawaz., & Najeebullah. “Prediction of the problems, user-satisfaction and prospects of e-learning in HEIs of KPK, Pakistan.” International Journal of Science and Technology Education Research (IJSTER), 2(2):13-21, February, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011, from http://www.academicjournals.org/ijster/PDF/Pdf2011/Feb/Qureshi%20et%20al.pdf
[47]A. Sattar., A. Nawaz., & Najibullah. “Evolution of eLearning in HEIs: Challenges & Opportunities for Developing Countries like Pakistan.” Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences (JETEMS), 2011.
[48]U. Ehlers. “Quality in e-learning from a learner's perspective.” European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2005. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.eurodl.org/.