Factors Affecting E-Learning Adaptation in Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions: A Case Of Udsm & Out E-Learning Implementation

This study researched on critical barriers affecting the acceptance of E-learning at Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania. The researcher collected data from academic and administrative staff of two institutions namely the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) and the University of Dar Es Salaam (UDSM), selected as a case study for this research, due to their long term expertise in practicing E-learning in Tanzania. The analysis revealed two critical barriers on acceptance of E-learning at HLIs, which are quality of content creation for E-learning content and organizational culture towards E-learning also referred in this study as perception on E-learning. It was revealed that majority of the E-learning practitioners have limited skills on creating quality content or basically no clear integration between Pedagogy and ICT. However, the study shows that this challenge can be addressed using ISA-BeL model. The study also showed that the employment market is inclined in favor of graduates that have gone through traditional or conventional learning than those who attend E-learning programmes. The researcher also noted that institutions have ICT policy but lacks E-learning policy. This, to large extent, led to lack of awareness amongst staff members. Findings of this study showed correlation between acceptance of E-Learning and organizational culture as well as quality of content creation. In concluding this study, the researcher is urging policy makers in HLIs to enforce institutionalization of E-learning policy as an enabling factor towards E-learning adaptation. Practitioners are also encouraged to put more effort on creating quality content