Sie sind auf Seite 1von 7

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/263126251

A SWOT analysis of e-Learning model for the libyan educational institutions

Conference Paper · April 2009

CITATIONS READS
11 4,033

2 authors:

Mahmoud Artemi Ajit Kumar


University of Bedfordshire Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
14 PUBLICATIONS   21 CITATIONS    45 PUBLICATIONS   72 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Mahmoud Artemi on 14 January 2017.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.


rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya
A SWOT Analysis of E-Learning Model for the Libyan Educational Institutions

Mahmoud A. Artemi*, Ajit Kuma**


*Higher Institute of Computer Technology, Zawia, Libya
**Zawia Engineering College, 7th of April University, Zawia, Libya
*mah_art78@yahoo.com*
**ajitmaskara@yahoo.co.in**

Abstract:
Educational Institutions in Libya are trying hard to improve the quality of teaching and research in different possible way. One
possible way to improve educational standard is E-Learning (Online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, network and
web based learning). E-Learning may be defined as internet-based learning where students and instructors are not necessarily
face-to-face; interaction may occur via video conferencing, teleconferencing, email, bulletin board, chat room etc. Seeing the
lucrative advantages of E-Learning, many institutions are thinking to implement E-Learning model in near future. But, the
success of an E-Learning system depends on various factors related to students, instructors, the developed course content and the
delivery medium and environment (delivery model). It becomes utmost important to do analysis of various factors before
implementing any E-Learning model. The aim of this paper is to identify and discuss these factors; perform SWOT (Strengths,
Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat) analysis; and come up with some sort of recommendations for the educational institutions in
Libya.

Keywords: E-Learning, Libyan Educational System, SWOT Analysis

implementing any model for the success of that


Introduction model.
The General People's Committee for Education in
The Great Jamahiriya seeks to develop and renovate
the entire educational process, including the
development of curricula and updating its scientific
content. Based on the student as being the focus of the
educational process, and thus is entitled to choose the
place, time, and type of education and specialization
he considers to study at early preparation stages for
the transition to a self-learning system [1]. The
General People's Committee for Education realized
that ICT has great impact on all dimensions of life
including the life of the student as an individual, and
the life of the society as a whole. In 2005, Ministry of
Education and the Ministry of Vocational Training
launched national policies for ICT in education. One
of the main policies was to improve the quality of
education through ICT by developing open and
distance learning as well as continued education
adopting modern techniques and methods in
education, that is, creation of digital libraries / portals
of educational resources, the development of ICT
enhanced E-Learning solutions.Seeing the wonderful
Fig.1. Key Entities in Educational System
advantages of E Learning and Government focussed
policy, many institutions in Libya are thinking to
Educational Institutions in Libya are taking
implement E-Learning model in near future and strong
initiatives to implement E-Learning model in near
attempts being made to identify and disseminate
future; therefore, from beginning itself they should
innovative E-Learning practices. Students, Instructors,
identify key players of E-Learning model and analyze
Course Delivery Medium, and Environment are key
the various factors related to students, instructors, the
entities (Fig.1) for any learning model and these
developed course content and the delivery medium and
entities should be considered carefully before
6
rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya
environment for the success of E-Learning system. In professional can avail these courses easily
the next four sections, we are going to identify factors without spending much money is another good
related to students, instructors, the developed course opportunity.
content and the delivery medium and environment and  Data shows that literacy rate is more in male than
categorize these factors in four broad categories, that female. One of the factors for this difference in
is, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats literacy rate is accessibility of education. This
(SWOT Analysis). Section five gives summarizes difference can be reduced using E-Learning
SWOT analysis. Section six recommends suitable E- model as time and distance will not be a barrier
Learning models based on SWOT Analysis and for females.
world-wide available research data.
 Physically challenged person can also get
Students
opportunity of study at home. Working
Learning style vary from student to student. Some professional can pursue some courses to acquire
people, for example, find it easier to understand a new skills related with their jobs.
concept by reading a textbook, while others prefer a  Threats: E-Learning model gives a good chance
verbal explanation. Likewise, people may vary in to listen, read, watch; but very less chance to
how they most effectively demonstrate their speak and write. Chances are there that students
understanding - graphically, verbally, or in writing do not acquire sufficient face-to-face
[2]. E-Learning learners should possess the communication and writing skills. Also from
characteristics of having good computer and Internet various jobsites it can be easily found that
skills, prefer listening and reading, being able to learn employer gives more importance to course taken
independently and view learning positively, being able in traditional style than E-Learning
to make the best use of their time, have self- course/degree.
disciplined, and enjoying working alone most of the
time, being able to clearly express them in writing [3]. Instructors
 Strengths: As far as students of Libya are Similar to students, teaching style also vary from
concerned, they like listening and reading than teacher to teacher. Some teachers love teaching in
writing. They are electronic gadgets (e- traditional manner, some love E-Learning and some
dictionary, calculators, PDA, mobile, digital blended style. In fact, It is matter of hot debate to find
diary) savvy; possess basic computer and internet superior teaching styles among traditional teaching
skills. styles, E-Learning and blended style of teaching. Even
 Weaknesses: Learning course designer develops after in this situation of debate, research has proved as
modules keeping world-wide students in their well as people are also accepting that e-Learning has
mind as E-Learning model has great advantage of some advantages and it should be mixed properly with
offering learning to students at anytime, traditional style of learning. Time has come for
anywhere. Obviously they will develop e- instructors to realize their role in e-Learning system.
Learning courses in English language which is The critical roles of the instructor to drive E-Learning
widely accepted language. Unfortunately, Libyan model are: maintain a positive, productive learning
students do not have much expertise on English environment, advocate for students who lack the
which can be a stumbling block for them to take confidence to advocate for themselves, help to
available online courses in English medium. In develop students’ capacity to independent learners
order for Libya to develop an IT literate taking responsibility for their own learning, and
generation, the educational system must ensure maintain equipment and systems to ensure the fidelity
that a high standard of English-language teaching of the E-Learning network.
is maintained [12].  Strengths: E-Learning is not just introducing new
 Another weakness among students is they seek technology for learning, but also a new way of
support from instructor all the time, i.e., they are thinking about learning, a totally new culture for
instructor-centric, whereas E-Learning demands learning. We need to have the culture which will
for student-centric learning style. embrace E-Learning means and build the
 Opportunities: As people will accept E-Learning leadership support for that culture [3]. As stated,
model, workforce will be required to implement E-Learning is new culture of learning and
it thereby creating plenty of job opportunities for implementing a new culture is not an easy task.
potential job seekers. Students, working Fortunately, most of the Instructors of Libya
7
rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya
belong to Libya or nearby countries of the same  Strengths: Some online courses in Libya are
culture; therefore, they have good understanding being offered in English as well as Arabic which
of Libyan student’s culture, habits, therefore, encourages students to go for E-Learning.
very suitable for encouraging the new culture of  Weaknesses: Some courses in Libya are available
E-Learning. in Arabic only so it loses universal acceptance.
 Weaknesses: The teachers in the 21st century face  Opportunities: In Libya, many advanced courses
a challenge to update their knowledge to be able related with management, IT, medical science are
to make appropriate use of Information and not available at all even in traditional style. There
Communication Technologies (ICT) either as a is huge demand of IT, management and medical
teacher who uses ICT in the classroom or as an e- science related courses. It is good opportunity to
Teacher or e-Moderator of open and distance develop IT, management and medical science
learning. They have to change their habits and related E-Learning courses to cater the increasing
attitudes from face-to-face instructors to a demand.
learning phenomenon that they cannot touch, but  Threats: Initial Investment (development cost,
just feel. This is a challenge that has caused time, effort) is very high for development of
teachers to reflect on how they adapt to new courses. Any content that’s put online can be
educational changes without compromising the easily copied and reused, greatly depreciating the
quality of education [4]. This is right time for value of all work that has been invested in the
Libyan instructor to become familiar with first place[3].
modern learning style and improve their English
level. In fact evidence has come that Libyan Delivery Model - Delivery Medium And
instructor started making queue to learn English. Environment
 Opportunities: In general teachers in Libya are E-Learning delivery model consists of and delivery
overloaded as students enrollment in Libya is medium (Network or The Internet) delivery
increasing in comparison to teaching staffs. E- environment (Learning Management System
Learning is good solution to manage students software).
effectively without getting overloaded and Delivery Medium - The medium of delivery is the
quality remain uncompromised. network and usually it is the Internet using various
 Sometimes teachers find it difficult to explain software tools (like Email, Web Forums, Newsgroups,
certain concept on traditional style due to BBS, Chat, shared whiteboards, teleconferencing,
limitation of his/her communication skills, videoconferencing, MOOs & MUDs) and hardware
available teaching aids or resources. In this case, devices (cellular phones, PDAs, computers etc. The
instructors can rely on Internet technologies, Internet becomes the natural choice as a delivery
satellite channels, and digital content to enable medium. Research shows that university students are
effective teaching-learning process. heavy and frequent users of the Internet and success
 Threats: Due to lack of face-to-face interaction, factors related to the medium of delivery are mainly
respect for teacher is under threat. Moreover related to network efficiency. In other words, these
there is chance that teacher-student relationship factors are related to the bandwidth, strong wireless
gap will increase as E-Learning lacks feeling. coverage, application architecture and network’s
Lack of face-to-face communication with security. The delivery medium requires many-to-many
teachers contributes lack of understanding communication (i.e., multicasting). Hence, sufficient
between a student and a teacher. bandwidth plays a key role in ensuring smooth
delivery. Smooth and fast delivery via the network
Developed Course Content
motivates the students and avoids frustrating waiting
The success of any E-Learning course heavily time to complete the content download [5].
depends on course we offer. For example, if Delivery environment (Learning Management
somebody offer Arabic language course as online System) - In practice, a Learning Management System
course which is easily available in traditional mode, is used to implement E-Learning. Learning
obviously, demand of such online courses will be less. Management System is a software package, usually on
It does make great sense what courses are being a large scale, that enables the management and
offered, quality of courses, and availability in delivery of learning content and resources to students.
traditional mode. Learning Management System usually allows for
student registration, the delivery and tracking of E-
8
rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya
Learning courses and content, and testing, and may Leaning is preferred medium for people in the
also allow for the management of instructor-led interior area due to unavailability of traditional
training classes [6]. In other words a Learning teaching. Local networks are in poor condition.
Management System provides a complete E-Learning In total there are 1.1m fixed lines and they suffer
infrastructure for creating, managing, tracking, inadequate maintenance [12]. Moreover internet
delivering, and assessing enterprise-wide E-Learning, and mobile communications are very expensive.
whether in the classroom or online. Another weakness is the awareness of E- learning
 Strengths: Evidence can be seen that government as well as Learning Management System.
has taken strategic initiative to improve Libyan According to Sami H Alamari, commercial
Educational System using E-Learning. The manger of LTT, while the internet is rising in
Secretariat of Education provides all the popularity, the market is not sophisticated in its
approved textbooks and distributes them in knowledge of the net and its uses. MSN instant
sufficient amounts to all pupils and students. The messenger and chat rooms are popular with
Office of Teaching Media and Equipment young Libyans, but there is little awareness of the
provides computers, all the audio and visual other uses of the net for educational and
teaching media, and the equipment, instruments commercial purposes [12]. Therefore A group of
and tools for training workshops and school trained people required to understand E-
laboratories. Libya has moved from having Learning as well as Learning Management
virtually no lines after its revolution in the early System software package, put their academic e-
1960s, to having one in every 10 of its four courses under that system, and manage them
million inhabitants now having telephone access. properly.
Considering small population, Libya has a  Opportunity – Educational institution equipped
substantial telecommunication infrastructure. with ICT infrastructure can use this infrastructure
There are 180 telephone exchanges, 13 earth to for E-Learning purpose.
stations, providing connections to the Arabsat  Threats – ICT infrastructure need good quality of
satellite, and 10000 km of radio relay system, services. The awareness of service concept is
connecting the Mediterranean coast from Egypt very less.
to the Tunisian border as well as north to south
Summary
within the country. In addition to Arabsat, Libya
is connected to Nile sat, Intelsat and Util sat. Fig. 2 gives summary of above five sections that is,
National links are completely digitized [12]. SWOT analysis of E-Learning model in Libya. Each
Libya's only internet service provider is row of the figure represents one key player of E-
launching its first commercial wireless network Learning system in Libya and their strengths,
which it says is one of the most advanced in the weaknesses, opportunities and threat.
world [8]. E-Learning courses require good
bandwidth and same is / will be available through
WiMax.
 Weaknesses – Libya still lags behind in terms of
usage of ICT tools, infrastructure and access. The
process of implementing the national ICT policy
in particular and development projects in
different domains in general are still at an early
stage [7]. Internet facility is not available at all
places in Libya especially interior places. E-

9
rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya

Fig. 2 SWOT Analysis of E-Learning Model In Libya

Conclusion
It is evident from above discussion of SWOT
analysis that key players have strengths as well as
weaknesses, opportunities along with risks. Special
care should be taken before implementing E-Learning
model. E-Learning should not be implemented
because everyone else is implementing.
Educational institution should start working on the
weaknesses like English level of students as well as
instructors, ICT infrastructure, learning of E-Learning
model, courses offered etc. Also to mitigate the threats
(risk), a right mix of traditional and E-Learning is
required. Researchers have shown that blended model
is good model as it allows students from different
cultures the ability to select the delivery format of Fig. 3 E-Learning Continuum [10]
their learning content, hence improving their
interaction with the environment [9]. E-Learning does not take the teacher out of the
classroom; we need a teacher to drive E-Learning
[11]. How to blend requires careful study of various

10
rd
The 3 National Conference of Basic Science 25-27/4/2009 Aljabal Algharbi University Gharian - Libya
factors related to various key players so that we can E-Learning Performance based On Balanced
derive best of both models, that is, traditional as well Scorecard, 2008” Proceedings of iiWAS2006
as E-Learning. It is responsibility of decision maker to [7] Amr Hamdy, “ICT in Education in Libya”, June
find where they are now in E-learning Continuum 2007
(Fig. 3); and where they should try to move to create a [8] BBC News “Libya's wireless web access leap”
win-win situation for all key players. Thursday, 22 January 2009 available at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7845905.stm
References [9] Frank J. Troha “Managing Threats to E-Learning
[1] “The Development of Education- National Success: Six Simple Tips for Initiative Leaders”
Report of Libya” International Conference on [10] Marlia Puteh, Supyan Hussin “A Comparative
Education, Session (48), Geneva 25-28 Study of E-Learning Practices at Malaysian
November, 2008 Private Universities”, 1st International
[2] D. Gary, J. Palmer, “Learning Styles and Web- Malaysian Educational Technology
Based Learning - The 4MAT Methodology”, Convention, 2 – 5th November 2007, Sofitel
WebNet Journal, 3/2, April-June (2001) Palm Resort, Senai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
[3] Ahmed Yousif Abdelraheem “The [11] Rosalia Omungo, “Will E-Learning Make
Implementation of E-Learning in The Arab Teachers Redundant?” Nairobi, Kenya - Jun 08
Universities: Challenges and Opportunities” DLI 2007 00:00 available at
2006, Tokyo, Japan http://www.mg.co.za/article/2007-06-08-will-
[4] Liviu Beldiman, Vasile Ifrim, “On-Line Training: elearning-make-teachers-redundant
A New Challenge for Teachers” The 4th [12] “On the move – The sector is getting wired,
International Scientific Conference – E-Learning going wireless and expanding its base”, The
and Software for Education, April 17- 18, 2008 report Libya 2008, Oxford Business Group,
[5] N. Al-Huwail, S. Al-Sharhan, A. Al-Hunaiyyan, available at
“Learning Design for a Successful Blended E- http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/publicati
Learning Environment: Cultural Dimensions” on.asp?country=62
[6] Pujianto Yugopuspito, Rio T. Setiadi, Mutiara
P.C. Pardede, “A Proposed Model for Measuring

11

View publication stats

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen