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Autor/inn/en | Hawi, Roxanne; Heinrich, Eva; Lal, Sunil |
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Titel | Leveraging Informal Learning Practices for Broadening Participation in University Education: A Kenyan Case Study |
Quelle | In: Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning, 25 (2021) 1, S.45-61 (17 Seiten)
PDF als Volltext |
Sprache | englisch |
Dokumenttyp | gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz |
ISSN | 1179-7665 |
Schlagwörter | Informal Education; Access to Education; Access to Computers; Disadvantaged; Rural Population; Telecommunications; Handheld Devices; College Students; Electronic Learning; Blended Learning; Socioeconomic Influences; Barriers; Technology Integration; Public Colleges; Student Attitudes; Developing Nations; Foreign Countries; Kenya |
Abstract | Kenyan public universities primarily provide classroom-based courses. However, socioeconomic realities prevent many rural learners from attending classes regularly. Interestingly, because of the willingness of Kenyans to further their education, informal education is picking up fast. Individuals are forming informal learning circles and have proactively found ways to use smartphones to access online educational resources. This paper explores ways to leverage the strengths of these informal learning practices to enhance participation in formal higher education for Kenyans. One way this can be achieved is through blended learning. With blended learning, students experience the convenience of online learning without losing the on-campus social interactions they are accustomed to. Currently, the use of blended learning in Kenyan public universities is not at the desired level. Economic constraints mean that a lack of conventional computing resources, such as laptops and desktop personal computers, (PCs) is a contributing factor. Given their widespread adoption, we suggest smartphones could be a viable platform for blended learning in Kenya. To explore this idea, a survey was conducted with 114 students in Tom Mboya University College (TMUC), a rurally based public university in Kenya. The survey examined students' attitudes to using smartphones in education. Results indicate smartphones are already an integral part of students' informal education and they have a strong desire to integrate smartphones in their formal education. We envisage that our research will contribute knowledge towards the adoption of blended learning in resource-constrained university environments. (As Provided). |
Anmerkungen | DEANZ: New Zealand Association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning. Open Polytechnic, 3 Cleary Street Private Bag 31914, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand. Tel: +64-3-345-8246; Web site: http://www.jofdl.nz/index.php/JOFDL |
Erfasst von | ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC |
Update | 2024/1/01 |