Exploring Sustainable E-Learning Platforms for Improved Universities’ Faculty Engagement in the New World of Work

Abstract

The familiar places where faculty and students engage, collaborate, debate, interact and exchange viewpoints appear to have been improved by introducing digital technology. This study investigates the influence of e-learning opportunities on faculty engagement in Nigerian universities. Five hundred faculty members were surveyed across eight private universities in Nigeria using purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Only 431 copies of the questionnaire, representing 86.2% response rate, were analysed with Smart PLS 3.0. The results show that virtual learning platforms, digital databases, online short courses and webinar learning platforms significantly influenced teaching, research, administrative and community engagements. The study concludes that the faculty of various universities should leverage e-learning platforms to be more engaged. The study recommends the machinery needed by the faculty members of Nigerian universities during the COVID-19 lockdown that challenged the conventional practice. The study empirically contributes to strengthening the current teaching, research, partnership and collaboration trends for improved faculty engagement in the new-normal world of work.