Barriers and opportunities of e-learning implementation in Iraq: a case of public universities

Al-Azawei, A., Parslow, P. and Lundqvist, K. (2016) Barriers and opportunities of e-learning implementation in Iraq: a case of public universities. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 17 (5). pp. 126-146. ISSN 1492-3831 doi: 10.19173/irrodl.v17i5.2501

Abstract/Summary

Although the implementation of e-learning initiatives has reached advanced stages in developed countries, it is still in its infancy in many developing nations and the Middle East in particular. Recently, few public universities in Iraq have initiated limited attempts to use e-learning alongside traditional classrooms. However, different obstacles are preventing successful adoption of this technology. The present research aimed to highlight challenges that hinder effective implementation of e-learning in Iraq and recommend possible solutions to tackle them. A total of 108 respondents voluntarily participated in this research. They consisted of academic staff (N=74), professors in charge of e-learning (N=3), and undergraduate students (N=31). Three methods were used to collect data: a survey instrument, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Data was then analyzed and reported quantitatively and qualitatively. This provided in-depth understanding to the current status of e-learning in public Iraqi universities and highlighted major hindrances of its successful application. Based on this analysis, the study proffered many recommendations that should be considered in order to fully benefit from e-learning technologies.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/69440
Identification Number/DOI	10.19173/irrodl.v17i5.2501
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Computer Science
Publisher	Athabasca University Press
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