Factors essential for successful and sustainable e-learning

Abstract

E-Learning has been viewed as a positive initiative in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), as it is said to improve opportunities for critical thinking, develops better problem solving abilities and assists in improvement of productivity and efficiency of employees. For HEIs to benefit from the advantages of e-learning there needs to be continuous research done on how best can HEIs ensure that there is successful and sustainable e-learning. Secondary data literature was reviewed and in collecting primary data six participants from one of the South African HEIs (UKZN) were interviewed. Information gathered through primary data collection was in line with the information obtained from literature. The difference was when the primary data revealed additional factors which are essential for successful and sustainable e-learning. These includes the importance of finances and regular discussions and engagements with champions/experts and research in the field of e-learning. Most of the literature highlights the importance of engagements with students, faculty and academic staff and not much emphases is placed on engagement with all stakeholders. This paper concluded by providing recommendations which needs to been considered by HEIs on how best they can achieve successful and sustainable e-learning.