A Model for Evaluating E-learning Systems Quality. A case of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology

Abstract

The rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has significant changes in the practice of education globally using Learning Management System (LMS) assisted e-learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Despite the perceived benefits such as flexible and broad access, e-learning is still facing challenges such as identifying the needs for the students, the instructors and the technicians and providing quality courses. Furthermore, evaluating existing e-learning initiatives and determining critical success factors for quality has been lacking. This has called for further investigation into e-learning practices in order to fill the gaps identified. The study presents a model for evaluating e-learning system quality through modifying and extending the Biggs Framework for Quality Learning with other models and frameworks. A descriptive and exploratory research using a cross-sectional survey of 180 respondents from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) was used. Data was collected via Questionnaires and Interviews with a stratified sampling technique. The conceptual model was validated using Structural Equation Modeling and Regression Analysis. The study found out that course design, content support, administrative support, user characteristics, institutional factors and social support influence quality. This Research has contributed to the body of knowledge from theoretical, methodological, and practical points of view.