Challenges of introducing e-learning at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Lecturers' perspective

Abstract

The integration of technology in the education process has immensely improved the acquisition and retention of knowledge. Although e-learning initiatives bring many advantages to the education system, these rewards have not been fully realised in developing countries like Botswana. Therefore, in the current study, authors set out to identify issues that may impede the introduction of e-learning initiative at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This paper presents findings from a survey of 50 academic staff of the university, to which 88 % (44/50) of the sample satisfactorily responded. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analysed using Microsoft Excel package. Four major challenges that should be addressed before e-learning initiative can be introduced successfully are identified as: poor infrastructure, inadequate IT support, lack of e-learning policy and lack of university management support. Recommendations are made on the basis of the main findings, and can further be applied to other universities in a similar situation.