Browsing by Author "Harerimana, Alexis."

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An analysis of the utilisation of e-learning platform at a selected nursing school in Rwanda : a participatory action research study.
(2017) Harerimana, Alexis.; Mtshali, Ntombifikile Gloria.
Background: E-learning is a commonplace in nursing and healthcare professional education, and generally the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the internet in tertiary education is recognised. The use of technology is a policy directive in Rwanda. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was two-fold, that is to: (i) Collaboratively analyse the utilisation of the e-learning platform in selected nursing school campuses at University of Rwanda (UR), in Rwanda; (ii) Develop a middle-range theory on the implementation of e-learning in selected nursing school campuses at UR, in Rwanda. Methods: Participatory Action Research, and convergence parallel mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative data) also known as concurrent triangulation design were used, where quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously as recommended by Creswell and Clark (2007). Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 23, and for qualitative data, the framework of grounded theory by Strauss and Corbin guided the analysis. Triangulation of results was done in chapter six of discussion of the results. Results: The quantitative findings of this study indicated that in e-learning, a blended mode was used and included 40% of face-to-face, and 60% of online teaching. ICT was reported to be pivotal in teaching and learning. Of 44 nurse educators, 95.5% reported using ICT applications to prepare presentations for lessons; 95.5% reported using ICT to provide feedback and/or assess students’ learning. Of 227 students, 96.9% used the internet to access full web-placed courses, and 93% for communication with their lecturers. Qualitative findings reflected E-learning as the core phenomenon of the investigation. E-learning was conceptualised as a mechanism to advance a political agenda, as a student-centred approach, as blended learning, and as a tool to open access to education for working nurses and midwives. The context of e-learning in nursing education is subjected to both internal and external influences in which education, health and technology originate. Data from this study indicated a number of intervening conditions which influenced the process of developing the middle range theory. There are two major processes involved in this model: Catalyst agents and hybrid teaching and learning. The catalyst agent process focuses on institutional support for students and teachers. The process of hybrid teaching and learning represents the actual facilitation of teaching and learning, through two phases: course development, and course delivery. The outcome of this is to improve the quality of nursing education, to fast-track production of the nursing workforce, to enhance nursing care and services, to enhance collaborative partnership, and to promote lifelong learning. Conclusion: E-learning is inspiring many in nursing education, and its success depends on adequate technology-based tools and guidelines that can be used in the establishment of a supported network learning space by using technology in teaching and learning. Keywords: blended learning, web-based learning, e-learning, distance learning, ICT in education.
A descriptive study on the utilization of internet as an academic tool among undergraduate nursing students, at a selected University in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2013) Harerimana, Alexis.; Mtshali, Ntombifikile Gloria.
Background to the study: The Internet is rapidly becoming an important learning tool in academic institutions and workplaces. In academic institutions it plays a pivotal role in meeting information and communication needs of students, academics and researchers. Despite internet becoming an important information gathering and dissemination tool, literature reflects under-utilization both in academic and in practice settings for a number of reasons. This study therefore described the utilization of internet as an academic tool among undergraduate nursing students in a selected University in KwaZulu Natal in order to establish ways of enhancing its utilization. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive design was used in this study. The population of the study was 222, and the the sample size was 141 of undergraduate nursing students which was calculated using Raosoft sample size calculator. The sample was stratified according to the percentages of the population in the Nursing program and the year of the study of the respondents. However, only 115 agreed to participate in this study and the response rate was rate therefore 81.1%. Data was collected using a survey after obtaining ethical clearance from the university and were analyzed descriptively. Findings: The findings revealed that participants perceived themselves to be at different levels of utilizing the Internet; intermediate level (32.2%) advanced level (19.1%) competent level (29.6%), beginner level (17.4%) and expert level (1.7%). The results reflected traditional university students as better equipped to use the Internet than non-traditional university students. The Internet was used for different purposes including; academic (96.5%); communication (82.6%), pleasure (71.3%), work related activity (53.9%) and shopping (13.9%). Facebook (77.4%) was the most commonly used social network followed by the twitter (24.3%). Challenges cited covered restricted access to certain sites (62.6%), very slow internet connection (55.7%), limited training in the use of the Internet (38.3%), limited number of computers (37.4%). The majority of the participants (89%) singled out training on internet use as priority with specific focus on basic IT skills (72.2%), accessing academic related material (70.4%), using Moodle (51.3%), Turnitin (35.7%) and endnote (33.9%). Conclusion: Contrary to other studies, this study reflected that students do use the Internet for a number of reasons. They however recommend structured support on how to use internet for academic purposes.