Influence of Institutional Support on Lecturers' Preparedness for E-learning at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Institutional support is an essential antecedent for lecturer’s preparedness for e-learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of institutional support through appropriate training programs and budgetary allocation on lecturers’ preparedness for e-learning at the University of Nairobi. A cross-sectional survey design was applied to source data from 212 lecturers and 96 administrative staff. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were applied to process, analyze, and interpret the data. Quantitative analysis yielded descriptive statistics as well as cross tabulations with Chi-square (x2) statistic. The study found lack of significant relationship between lecturer’s preparedness for e-learning and knowledge of the existence of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training program. The existing training program was still underdeveloped in terms of funding and strategies. Lecturers’ preparedness for e-learning was also not significantly associated with perceived effectiveness of the existing training program; but was significantly related to training in software tools, as well as the source of funding for training. Although a team of ICT experts has been mandated to help academic staff prepare for e-learning, the team’s functionality was constrained by under-funding and multiple roles. Lecturer’s preparedness for e-learning also significantly associated with perceived adequacy of budgetary allocation for ICT program at the departmental level. Under-funding was a key factor constraining access to computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support, all of which significantly associated with lecturers’ preparedness for e-learning. Universities in resource-poor settings should consider creating necessary partnerships to create avenues for information and resource sharing, revamp existing training programs with financial and human resources, create linkages with funding institutions, as well as improve budgetary allocation to ensure universal access to functional computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support. Keywords: institutional support, preparedness, e-learning, training program, budgetary allocation