Challenges and Problems of e-Learning: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

E-Learning has recently gained significance among researchers. Although it has long been used in parallel with traditional learning styles, it is still known to be in its early stages. E-Learning is a broad self-standing category with many sub-types. However, there is a prevalent tendency to interchangeably use various terms to refer to this domain. With the strike of the recent pandemic around the globe, nearly all educational bodies including universities, colleges, and schools were urged to shift to e-Learning mediums. The use of e-Learning suddenly gained a tremendous amount of significance. Therefore, studying the problems and challenges that could impact the effectiveness of this phenomenon seemed to be of great importance. Accordingly, this study aimed at reviewing the problems and challenges encountered by students and educators involved in the e-Learning process. Through a systematic review, data were collected from studies on e-Learning. Using the findings of the systematic review, a conceptual framework was created consisting of two broad areas, namely problems vs. challenges of e-Learning. Then, semi-structured interviews with 15 participants of different ages, genders, academic qualifications, positions, and locations were conducted in search of their lived experiences on e-Learning. The present work may shed light upon the e-Learning process, ultimately leading to the development and reinforcement of this rather complicated phenomenon. The framework developed in this study holds potential applicability in studying the e-Learning phenomenon in comparable scenarios, such as pandemics or a complete transition to e-Learning driven by future technological advancements.