Electronic Leaning adoption in midwifery extension program in selected Nursing and midwifery schools in Kampala, UGANDA

Abstract

The study assessed e-learning Adoption in Midwifery Extension in selected Nursing and Midwifery schools in Kampala. It was noted that many midwifery students still prefer the traditional lecture method of teaching and learning other than e-learning which has the potential to enable students learn as they study. The study therefore aimed at generating data to guide managers and decision makers in promoting the adoption of e-learning in Midwifery Extension in Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives which included establishing the relationship between relative advantage and e-learning adoption in midwifery extension, establishing the relationship between compatibility and e-learning adoption in midwifery extension and establishing the relationship between complexity and e-learning adoption in midwifery extension in selected nursing and midwifery schools in Kampala, Uganda. The study adopted a mixed research method with the quantitative approach dominating the inquiry. A correlational cross sectional study design guided the study. A sample of 107 respondents participated in the study and these were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected from respondents using questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative Data was analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages to show the distribution of respondents on different items while Pearson correlation co-efficient (r) was used to determine the relationship of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found out that relative advantage, compatibility and complexity have a positive relationship on e-Learning adoption in Midwifery extension. The study came to the conclusion that (i) relative advantage, (ii) compatibility and (iii) complexity have a significant positive relationship with e-learning adoption. The researcher therefore recommended that, managers of Nursing and Midwifery Schools should make ICT resources accessible to all students as a way of enhancing e-learning adoption in Midwifery extension in Nursing and Midwifery schools in Uganda. Further more, managers of Nursing and Midwifery Schools should build skills of students and staff in ICT, covering its importance in ensuring e-learning adoption in Midwifery extension. Not least, school managers should carry out sensitization and advocacy campaigns, to influence and promote e-learning, to encourage both staff and students to positively adopt the e-learning system.