Development of E-learning Content and Delivery for Self Learning Environment : Case of Selected Rural Secondary Schools in Tanzania

• Main Author: Lujara, Suzan
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Karlskrona : Blekinge Institute of Technology 2010
• Subjects: ICT; Tanzania; Secondary schools; E-learning content; Software engineering; Instructional design; Courseware engineering methodology; Moodle platform; Focus group discussion; Mode 2; Triple helix processes
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-00478; http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:isbn:978-91-7295-192-1

The effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in devel-oping countries like Tanzania is crucial in order to overcome the challenges that are faced countrywide in many sectors, and to reduce the digital divide and improve the economy. ICT is becoming more and more integrated in societies worldwide, its effects are clearly seen in people’s lives as well as on countries’ economy as it opens doors for new opportunities and change the attitude of people towards learning. Secondary schools in Tanzania are facing many problems which hamper students’ learning. This in turn affects their performance in the National examinations hence reducing the growth of a learned society. This research specifically addresses the prob- lem of lack of learning and teaching materials by using ICT tools for the development and delivery of e-Learning content. The research focused on two secondary schools, namely, the Wali-Ul-Asr Seminary and Kibaha Secondary School as pilot schools in Kibaha district Pwani region. The research used courseware engineering methodology which integrated instructional design and software engineering. The research was also inspired by the concepts of participatory action research, Mode 2 knowledge production and triple helix, which incorporated stakeholders’ participation throughout the research. The main stakeholders are researchers, students, teachers, head teachers, and Ministry of Education and Vocational Training officials. This is an applied type of research addressing a practical problem in society. The out- come is a pilot package of e-Learning material comprised of sample chapters of Mathematics form III at the pilot site. Blended mode of delivery has been considered using Compact Disc/Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory, the Tanzania Secondary Schools e-Learning (TanSS-L) System, a customized Moodle platform and by using face to face learning.