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" An Exploratory Qualitative Study of the Potential for Enhanced e-Learning in Public Higher Education in Afghanistan "
Khalid, Abdul Habib
Fennimore, Beatrice S
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Latin Dissertation
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| Language of Document
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English
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| Record Number
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1106510
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| Doc. No
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TLpq2399400092
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| Main Entry
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Fennimore, Beatrice S
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Khalid, Abdul Habib
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| Title & Author
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An Exploratory Qualitative Study of the Potential for Enhanced e-Learning in Public Higher Education in Afghanistan\ Khalid, Abdul HabibFennimore, Beatrice S
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| College
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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| Date
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2020
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| student score
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2020
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| Degree
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D.Ed.
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| Page No
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275
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| Abstract
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The purpose of this research is the qualitative exploration of the possibilities and challenges of the future expansion of e-learning in Afghan public higher education through interviewing faculty members, policymakers, and university students. The subsequent information may be useful to those concerned with access to and the quality of higher education in that country. Grounded in Dewey’s (1916) constructivist worldview, the research is developed based on Davis’s (1989) technology acceptance model (TAM) and Aparicio, Bacao and Oliveira’s (2016) e-learning theoretical frameworks. During the study, the participants had the option to choose any of the three languages to conduct their interview including English, Pashto, or Dari. The faculty members and university students were solicited from seven major public universities across Afghanistan. The policymakers’ category was represented by participants from Afghanistan, the Unite States, Australia, and Europe. The findings of the study indicate that a systematic implementation and expansion of e-learning will improve the overall quality of higher education in Afghanistan. Upon provision of the required resources and technical assistance, e-learning programs can improve the access to and flexibility of quality higher education throughout the country. Nonetheless, some of the major hindrances for e-learning implementation and expansion in Afghan public higher education include an insufficiency of funding opportunities for e-learning programs, a lack of required technologies, not enough resources, a dearth of stable electricity, low-speed internet, inadequate LMSs, content without contextualization, a digital media literacy gap in faculty and students, and the absence of comprehensive policies and strategies for the successful implementation of e-learning programs. Given the current high prices and poor quality of internet services, it is imperative to successfully complete the fiber-optic cable ring to ensure high-speed and affordable internet services throughout Afghanistan. Also, in addition to the public awareness about the importance of e-learning programs in the country, effective professional development programs focused on e-learning should be provided for faculty, administrators, and students. Thus, in light of this research, the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education and relevant stakeholders can and should implement e-learning programs considering the opportunities and challenges perceived by the study participants to ensure quality higher education access for all eligible people, including women, those living in war-affected areas, and people with disabilities.
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Educational technology
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Higher education
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