Allah Nawaz

Users of e-learning in higher education institutions (HEIs): perceptions, styles and attitudes

Research reveals that users of e-learning systems in higher education institutions (HEIs) have a diversity of perceptions, theories and styles due to their demographic differences. Practically, these perceptions are translated into behaviour (attitude) of the e-learning-users. Thus, positive and correct perceptions generate greater interest and involvement in the use of e-learning while incorrect and weak perceptual beliefs turn into lack of interest and low frequency of using new technologies for teaching, learning and educational administration. Though differences are identifiable from individual to individual however, broader classifications make better sense and make the differences comprehensible. This paper brings together the research findings of different studies to figure-out a theoretically-rich modelling of the facts and issues relating to the role of user-perceptions, theories and styles on their attitudes to the newly emerging digital environments of e-teaching (for teachers), e-learning (for students) and e-education (for administrators).

DEMOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS FOR THE USER-PERCEPTIONS OF E-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF N-W.F.P, PAKISTAN

There are documented differences between the success and failure factors in the developed and developing countries with regard to the development and use of eLearning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These differences are widely attributed to the demographic variations in the context of eLearning development and use. Unless these differences are skillfully identified and accommodated as such into the development and use models, eLearning efforts are reported to be associated with problems in the construction, use and progress of the eLearning environments in the institutions for teaching, learning and administrative purposes. This study is an exploration of the demographic diversities in the HEIs of NWFP, Pakistan to document their impacts on perceptions of the teachers, students and administrators about the nature and roles of eTeaching, eLearning and eEducation.

DE-ESCALATING THE IT-PROJECTS

Escalation stickins with an ailing project beyond rational justifications. This happens because in the face of negative feedback, decision makers are strangled between whether to stick with or quit the dying project. Environmental uncertainty has been identified as the root cause of the escalatory behavior. This uncertainty emanates from several sources relating to individual, group, organization and broader environmental factors. This paper argues the premise that effective communication can help create an environment whereby workforce can develop an organized action thereby distributing the responsibility across the whole workforce and not the individuals – leading to the possible reduction of escalatory behavior in IT projects.

Digital Pakistan: opportunities & challenges

IT has revolutionized the social and organizational life around the globe. Given the newness of IT as a technology, there is a lot of potential that needs to be explored. It is however, argued that as IT can revolutionize the economic development, by the same coin, although its mismanagement in adoption process can end up in problems or even straight failure of the technology at the business-end. This study was conducted with reference to opportunities and challenges in the IT adoption process in Pakistan. The aim of the study was to point out the barriers that are impeding the country’s computerization process in order to provide facts to the policy makers for smooth computerization. The primary data collected through structured questionnaires was analyzed and tested through correlation, regressions analysis and t-test. Out of 10 hypotheses, 3 were accepted while in the rest null hypotheses were not substantiated. Based on primary and secondary data analysis this study has found that all independent bureaucratic, political, education and social and cultural variables are mutually correlated and have significant impact on shaping and reshaping of IT in Pakistan, while the Pakistan IT policy is inconsistent, administrative machinery attitude is negative and non cooperative, procedures are cumbersome and implementation is weak and ineffective, not to mention the lack of IT knowledge on the bureaucratic side. The political environment is instable and law and order is worse which is discouraging the investment. Moreover, physical and legal infrastructure is insufficient and the country is lacking good quality IT professionals. IT organization alignment is another serious issue in Pakistan. However, government incentives and growing interest from the private sector indicate positive attitude towards computerization of the country.