Implementing E-learning and the quest for quality in higher education in sub-Saharan Africa: Conceptualizing the prospects and challenges

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of implementing e-learning on the quality of higher education in Africa and the possible challenges that such initiatives have to overcome. It is envisaged that among other advantages, e-learning strategies can improve access, create better learning experiences for students, promote collaborations in the curriculum implementation, and provide efficiency in accessing academic information. However, e-learning initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges of ICT-related infrastructure, poor policy, and lack of requisite skills for Virtual Learning environments (VLEs) among the higher education workforce and other stakeholders. This paper concludes that there is a need for institutional strategies, and local and international collaboration among government agents, e-learning sponsors, educators, policymakers, ICT as well as and LIS professionals if the e-learning paradigm shift to yield benefits.