The eLearn Blog

In May 2008, a report was published about e-learning in Africa based on results of a survey sent to people in the e-Learning Africa (conference) database. 307 people completed the survey, so the sample size is somewhat small.

I've been keen to learn more about what's happening in Africa, particularly in regards to how different countries deal with infrastructure problems as they integrate technology into education, industry, and life in general. Here are some details from the survey:

ABOUT THE RESPONDENTS
Countries Represented

• Kenya (15%)


• South Africa (12%)


• Nigeria (11%)


• Ethiopia (9%)


• Uganda (8%)

Gender of Respondents

• Men (75%)


• Women (25%)

Respondents' Area of Work

• Higher education (37%)


• Primary or secondary education (5%)


• NGOs (5%)


• Vocational and technical institutions (3%)

MAJOR FINDINGS
Key Constraints to Seeking, Implementing, and Developing e-Learning

• Lack of infrastructure, particularly connectivity in rural areas


• Lack of appropriate training


• Lack of relevant digital content


• Cost of implementation

Types of Courses Addressed by the e-Learning (able to select more than one)

• Higher education (53%)


• Continuing education (37%)


• Vocational (23%)


• Secondary school (22%)

LMS Used

• A majority did not name a system, but said "internet" or similar


• Moodle (13%)


• WebCT (7%)


• KEWL.NextGen (6%)


• Blackboard (6 %)


• Sakai/Vula (4%)

Availability of Electricity

• Regular supply (37%)


• Irregular supply (39%)


• No supply (2.6%)

Availability of Computers and Internet

• More than one computer lab at place of business (30%)


• One laptop available per person (9%)


• No computers available (6%)


• One computer per class/lab (4%)


• Excellent internet connectivity (13%)


• Adequate internet connectivity (66%)


• Poor or non-existent internet connectivity (27%)