Perception of e-learning : study on non-CSE major students of BRAC university

Abstract

In the field of education the last decade is characterized by a growing interest in e-learning with a recognizable trend of enhanced application of e-learning technologies. e-learning ensures access to information about education, training and lifelong learning through the use of multimedia technologies. The use of network technologies to create fosters, deliver, and facilitate learning, anytime and anywhere. The beauty of e-learning is anyone can avail himself of the service i.e. learning/teaching aid from anywhere, as there is no geographic barrier among the learners. So, a global participation can be ensured through the system. Internet has made the process much easier and comfortable. The e-learning scenario in developing countries like Bangladesh is still a new era for both the learners and the e-learning content developer community. One of the significant limitations of educational framework in countries like Bangladesh is the lack of awareness about what actually e-learning is and what the prospects of e-learning are. Content developer community of e-learning services must be aware of the learners’ perception of e-learning to make the outcome of the effort to be useful. This exploratory study was done on non-CSE-major students of BRAC University in TARC, Savar, using primary data collected through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The study aims to explore the student’s of non-CSE perceptions about e-learning in terms of attitude and knowledge. While selecting the respondents, due care was taken to include varied departments like BBA, LLB, Architecture, Economics, Physics and English. The focus group students were from a mix of levels study. While selecting the respondents, due care was taken on behalf of male and female to get the different perception. The findings of the study are supposed to be very helpful for the developers/designers to create acceptance of the e-learning system they develop among the prospective learners.