Enhancing a syncronous tutor-student interaction on MUELE in a blended programme : a case of Bachelor of Youth Development Work at Makerere University (Unpublished Masters dissertation). Makerere University , Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract

Abstract The study seeks to come up with guidelines to help in improving tutor-student interaction in Blended courses on Learning Management System. The study attempts to answer What is the nature and extent of tutor-student interaction on Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE) in BYDW course?, What are the requirements needed for the framework which can improve the level of tutor-student interaction on MUELE? , What influences tutor-student interaction on MUELE?, How can tutor-student interaction on MUELE be improved?, What framework can be used to improve tutor-student interaction on MUELE platform?, How effective is the designed framework in supporting learning online on MUELE?. The study is using Focus Group Discussion to get an insight from BYDW students on their tutor-student interaction on MUELE, the study is also using in depth interviews to get an insight from BYDW tutors, BYDW course Coordinator and MUELE Administrator. Data collection is still on going, preliminary results indicate that their BYDW students are not getting enough and prompt feedback from their tutors on their submission on MUELE especially in the discussion forums, BYDW students reported various challenges they go through due to lack of support from their tutors. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is need for Makerere university to come up with a policy to compel the Tutors to give feedback to students’ submission on MUELE, Makerere university should frequently retool both students and Tutors on the usage of MUELE, Tutors time spent on MUELE should be considered as workload to motivate them to give students feedback on time, Makerere University should start giving BYDW tutors monthly data to enable them respond promptly to students. Keywords: Blended course, Learning Management System, Makerere University E-Learning Environment.