Electronic learning benefits and challenges in Malawi’s higher education: A literature review

Abstract

Electronic learning (e-learning) has become inevitable for higher education institutions during the Corona Virus pandemic. This paper presents a systematic literature review on e-learning in Malawi’s higher education institutions with comparable analysis from findings in other developing countries across the globe. The aim was to highlight some benefits and challenges of implementing a sustainable e-learning programme in higher education institutions. Methods for the review included a qualitative analysis of literature and employed the Bandara et al. (2011) framework and NVIVO 10.0 for windows for data analysis and management and incorporated the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to help define the question, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the proposed methods, including a comprehensive search strategy. Sources for the review included research articles from databases such as Sage, Emerald, Science Direct and Elsevier. The paper has unearthed several benefits of online learning especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the few publications and sustainable e-learning research in Malawi, the review has found that technological, individual, financial and managerial challenges, impede the development of best practice standards for e-learning implementation. The review has suggested recommendations of a sustainable e-learning programme to provide quality learning through technology. The paper provides further ideas for developing and implementing a sustainable e-learning program to provide quality learning through technology.