Challenges And Prospects For Quality Higher Education Via E-Learning Platforms In Private Universities: A Case Study Of Acacia University Zambia.

Abstract

This study was purposed to explore the challenges and prospects for quality higher education through effective e learning management in Zambian Private Universities with special reference to Acacia University Zambia (AUZ) (pseudo). In order to gain in-depth understanding of the phenomena, the study adopted a case study method which incorporated a qualitative paradigm. A purposive sampling criteria was adopted in which persons in line faculty portfolios (deans, HoDs, directors) were subjected to an in-depth structured interview to probe the issues incidental to the delivery of education services through e learning platforms as occasioned by the tragic advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The students from the medical faculty were equally subjected to a semi-structured interview as to their experiential perspective on the available institutional e learning platforms. The preliminary results of the study indicate that from the notification of closure of universities by governmental authorities which took effect on 20 th March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the institution integrated / blended both the full time and distance learning students on ClanED platform which was mostly through textual interaction and posting of teaching/learning materials. In trying to enhance efficiency and effective delivery of quality education service, the institution later incorporated Zoom and further brought on board google meet as virtual learning platforms. It is, however, pertinent to note that both the ClanED and Zoom platforms had challenges, including but not limited to; lack of effective interactivism for ClanED and number limits / network intermittence for Zoom respectively. The later was also the same problem bedeviling the google meet but specifically on network connectivity from both institutional and learner ends. Overall, field evidence both from faculty line managers and students suggest management and co-ordination inadequacies between administrators of the platforms and the faculty line managers, which greatly affected effective delivery of services. Nevertheless, it was gratifying to note that faculty line managers, directors and platform administrators had instituted various measures aimed at rectifying the operational and management hitches and glitches encountered in the provision education service via the e learning platforms through adoption of the google meet platform as the platform of choice, and capacity building among all line managers, administrators and student orientations.