Technological Aspects of E-Learning Readiness in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

E-learning has become one of the most important technologies of the modern era. E-learning is a learning process which aims to create an interactive learning environment based on the use of computers and the internet. Through e-learning, learners can access resources and information from anywhere and at anytime. Many higher education institutions have expressed an interest in implementing e-learning, and e-learning readiness is a critical aspect in achieving successful implementation. Higher education institutions should therefore assess their readiness before initiating an e-learning project. E-learning readiness involves many components of e-learning, including students, lecturers, technology and the environment, which must be ready in order to formulate a coherent and achievable strategy. One of the aspects of e-learning readiness is technological readiness, which plays an important role in implementing an effective and efficient e-learning project. This paper explores the gaps in the knowledge about the technological aspects of e-learning readiness through the conduct of a literature review. In particular, the review focuses on the models that have been developed to assess e-learning readiness.

University students’ digital competence in three areas of the DigCom 2.1 model: A comparative study at three European universities

“…The European Commission (2007,2018) defines digital competence as one of the nine key competences that enable citizens to participate actively in society, stating that "digital competence means the safe, critical and responsible use of, and the commitment to, digital technologies for learning, working and for participation in society" (2018, p.5). Today, technology is a constant feature of our lives, with the prevalence of synchronic conversation systems as a means of communication, social networks as relationship contexts, and context repositories as collaborative spaces for users to develop their creativity (López-Gil & Bernal-Bravo, 2019;Mosa, Naz'ri bin Mahrin, & Ibrrahim, 2016;Sharkova, 2014). Processes of communication now take place in a multiscreen environment where media and digital resources are essential on a professional, social, economic, political, or entertainment level, meaning that educational institutions cannot remain aloof from this media context (Armellini, & De Stefani, 2015;Bhuasiri, Xaymoungkhoun, Zo, Jeung, & Ciganek, 2012;Gozálvez, García-Ruiz, & Aguaded, 2014).…”

“…Developing digital competence in university students is vital for the success of the educational process in higher education. Good digital competence enables students to acquire a greater capacity to interpret and understand while online (Mosa et al, 2016) and can help them progress in academic, personal and professional environments, to operate in virtual collaborative work scenarios (Gunawardena et al, 2001), and perform better in online education (Barber, DiGuiseppe, vanOostveen, Blayone, & Koroluk, 2016).…”

Students’ Readiness for the Implementation of E-learning in the College of Basic Education (CBE) in Kuwait during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…In the second phase, when the users start to identify the benefits of E-learning, they accept the E-learning process and consider it to be useful. According to Mosa, Naz'ri bin, Ibrrahim (2016), resistance is to be expected from people who are concerned about the implementation of E-learning along with the institution as it inculcates E-learning in its activities. Also, Ford, Ford, and D'Amelio (2008) pinpointed that any change implementation in any field can face some issues and resistance, but eventually it will be accepted.…”

Penilaian Tingkat Kesiapan Penerapan E-Learning pada Politeknik Keuangan Negara STAN

“…Keunggulan utama sistem e-learning sebagai media pembelajaran jarak jauh menurut Albidewi dan Tulb (2014) antara lain adalah rendahnya biaya pelaksanaan pembelajaran, fleksibilitas waktu dan jenis interaksi, serta model pembelajaran yang mengakomodasi gaya belajar orang yang berbeda-beda. Kituyi dan Tusubira (2013) dalam Mosa et al (2016) menekankan bahwa e-learning adalah elemen yang sangat penting dalam metode pembelajaran pada institusi pendidikan tinggi. E-learning sebagai metode pembelajaran yang telah banyak digunakan di institusi pendidikan tinggi juga digunakan sebagai metode pembelajaran dalam pendidikan vokasi.…”

“…Keberhasilan penerapan elearning pada institusi pendidikan sendiri dipengaruhi oleh banyak faktor. Di antara banyaknya faktor yang mempengaruhi kesuksesan penerapan e-learning, Albarrak (2010) dalam Mosa et al (2016) menyatakan bahwa faktor yang paling penting adalah readiness atau kesiapan. Aldhafeeri 2016 53 pendekatan kuantitatif berupa pengumpulan dan pengukuran data yang berbentuk angka atau pendekatan kualitatif berupa penggambaran keadaan secara naratif (kata-kata) apa adanya, (Sukmadinata, 2011).…”