IT students’ perceptions on e-learning: a preliminary survey at University of Colombo

Abstract

There is a trend in universities to utilize e-learning to improve the quality of learning activities of campus based students. The objective of the study was to find out the IT students’ perceptions towards e-learning. The population of the study consisted of five hundred and twenty five students. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample elements from the study population. A questionnaire was administered to two hundred and twenty six students. A total of hundred and fourty five complete questionnaires were selected for the analysis. More fourth year students are uncertain on the helpfulness of the course management systems in improving exam results. More students who use computer facilities only at the University and students who do not have a computer have negative perception on their ability to learn in an elearning environment, usefulness of online resources for learning and the availability of opportunities to share and discuss subject matters with other students. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 16, Issue 2, July 2012, Page 160-178 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v16i2.5206