DOI: 10.5176/2251-1814_EeL14.29
Authors: Namali Suraweera, Chern Li Liew and Jocelyn Cranefield
Abstract:
The purpose of this research paper is to present how social and cultural factors impacted on the introduction of e-learning in tertiary level IM education in Sri Lanka.
Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with participants in IM education provider organizations, current e-learning provider organizations, and government officials. Complementary data was gathered through analysis of relevant documents. These include official documents from the government and organizations, and relevant web sites.
The research identified that social and cultural factors are critical factors that affect the use of e-learning in tertiary level IM education in Sri Lanka. The study found that there was lack of readiness to move towards pure student-centered e-learning in tertiary level IM education because teacher-centered teaching and learning culture is dominant in Sri Lanka and national cultures also have influence on teacher-centered education. The study further found that there was lack of acceptance of e-learning programs in the Sri Lankan society due to the established recognition for qualification gained through face-to-face education and lack of confidence and trust toward e-learning program. This paper makes several recommendations i.e. enhance the awareness of student-centered learning culture in the Sri Lankan education system, implement change perspective from national level to see the policy through into practice, and introduce a national level policy framework to monitor and assure the quality of e-learning and to recognize e-learning qualification in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: E-learning, IM education; Sri Lanka; Social and Cultural Factors
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