E-learning systems in higher education institutions: An outlook of their use in the Western Balkan Region

Abstract

This study provides a review of the literature on e-learning systems evolution and environments. The argument is that e-learning systems should be embedded in the core strategy of the institution. To support this premise, studies for e-learning are analyzed and six recommendations are drawn for universities to follow in order to have successful e-learning environments. The main contribution of this study, however, is the identification of the trends and statistics regarding the elearning usage in the Balkan region. These stats are identified through a survey conducted in 40 universities in 10 countries from this region. The results show that more than 70% of the universities have adopted LMS, which does not fall short behind when compared with universities in the world. Also, the results show that around 64% of the private universities develop LMS in-house, compared with around 38% of the public universities, which have funding from the governments and can purchase vendor based solutions. However, the results from the survey suggest that public universities in these countries are more prone to open-source rather than vendor based.

Understanding data-driven decision making approach in Chinese higher education through the lens of Bakers model

“…The author stated that although educational data has been in use for a while by different universities, the methods for making discoveries within unique kinds of data are yet to be developed (Baker, 2010). The Bakers data model is simple yet very comprehensive for HEIs to follow (Chaushi et al, 2015). The model categorizes educational data mining into five categories: data prediction, data clustering, relationship awareness, data discovery, and data refinement.…”

“…Therefore, the scope and variety of educational data have also increased over time because of these new model developments (Bilici & Özdemir, 2022; Orr et al, 2020). Among various data models for HEIs, Baker’s model is considered one of the most comprehensive models for HEIs (Chaushi et al, 2015). Therefore for this study, the researchers have chosen this model as a base model for comparison with Chinese HEI’s DDDM approach.…”