The Use of E-learning Platforms Among Undergraduate Sandwich Students: Preference and Challenges at the University of Cape Coast

Abstract

ABSTRACT The integration and application of ICT resources in the classroom offer a great chance to improve the effectiveness of instruction. Again, it would therefore be essential to analyse user preferences and challenges while attempting to use the platform to enable optimal integration of e-learning into the system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences and challenges associated with using e-learning platform among undergraduate sandwich students at the University of Cape Coast. The study was underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study employed the explanatory sequential mixed method design which was based on the pragmatist paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to select three ICT experts from the electronic learning and knowledge management section, whiles stratified sampling alongside the simple random technique was used to select 278 undergraduate sandwich students. The study revealed that more undergraduate sandwich students favoured face-to-face learning over the other learning modes. The preference for the e-learning platform among the undergraduate sandwich students was found to be influenced by the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the platform. The study also revealed that a higher percentage of undergraduate sandwich students faced technological difficulties, such as network breakages and slow internet connectivity. Finally, the study revealed that the University of Cape Coast had challenges with finance, human resource and technical challenges. The study recommended the provision of strong internet connections to help curb the challenges undergraduate sandwich students faced