Enhancing Online Learning in Higher Education Institutions in Zambia: An Evaluation of the Measures put in Place by the Government of Zambia, Internet Service Providers and Higher Learning Institutions

The study investigated the innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher education institutions in Zambia. The objectives of the study were; to establish measures the Government of Zambia has put in place to ensure fast, accessible and affordable internet service in all higher learning institutions, to investigate what Internet Service Providers were doing to enhance internet connectivity in higher learning institutions for the benefit of all learners and educators; and to evaluate the support which higher learning institutions offered to educators and learners involved in online learning in Zambia. The study was guided by the Constructivist Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher employed a pragmatism paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sample was made up of 180 educators who were purposely selected from four universities. Additionally, 4 Directors of Distance Education in charge of Online Learning in the four universities, 1 ICT Director from the Ministry of Technology and Science and 1 ICT engineer from the Internet Service Provider in the selected universities were also purposely selected. Four research instruments were used to collect data; a questionnaire which was used to collect quantitative data from educators and three interview guides which were used to collect qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to validate the constructs and to create new items where need arose. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. The findings of the study showed significant steps taken by the Government of Zambia to enhance online learning such as introduction of 5G technology, connection of Zambia to satellite internet via Star Link, and mandating and funding of ZAMREN to provide cheaper and quality internet connectivity. Furthermore, the study showed efforts made by Internet Service providers to enhance online learning in higher education institutions in Zambia through provision of learning management systems such as zoom and Big Blue Button for free. Additionally, the study revealed that educators were generally satisfied with the computer expertise they acquired from the trainings conducted by the respective universities, but were not satisfied with the resources and the ICT support provided. Generally, educators had a negative perception of the online learning pedagogy. In view of the findings, the study recommends development of a regulation framework of online learning by the Government of Zambia through Ministry of Education and introduction of mandatory ICT training courses for both learners and educators in the training curriculum by Higher Learning Institutions.