E-learning Experiences and Challenges among Faculty Members in Alfajr College’s Undergraduate Medical Program, Sudan

Abstract

Background: E-learning is a learning experience using various electronic devices and software programs. This study documents the E-learning experience and provides insight into acceptance and barriers.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study at Alfajr College, Medicine Program, Sudan. The study adopted a questionnaire to interview the teaching staff, aided by a simple interview guide to collect data on the E-learning methods and approach. The college used both synchronized and asynchronized E-learning, using a Learning Management System (LMS). This was supported by user-friendly applications like WhatsApp and Telegram to be used by students. The college developed its own electronic application for assessments and electronic team-based learning that is LMS-augmented.

Results:  A total of 84 faculty members were interviewed. E-learning was thought to be a flexible educational modality by 73% of the participants, and reasonably convenient to educators to use at their own speed (51% agreed, 20% disagreed, and 29% were uncertain). Barriers to efficiently using E-learning technology were: insufficient/unstable Internet connectivity (94%), decreased students’ interactivity in the online course (87%), technical problems (86%), difficulties in receiving student feedback in the online course (66%), frequent interruptions by family environment at home (58%) and insufficient technology know-how by the faculty staff (41%).

Conclusion: Overall, faculty members accepted the technology well. Challenges reported included improving technology systems, more training for faculty staff, and improving student interactions and feedback.