Influence Of Computing Competence On Lecturers’ Preparedness For E-Learning At The Universityof Nairobi, Kenya

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of lecturers’ computing competence and preparedness for electronic learning (eLearning), focusing on word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, statistical analysis, internet browsing and e-mailing software packages. We applied a cross-sectional survey design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches to source data from 212 lecturers and 108 administrative staff in May 2011. The results show that participants whose competence in applying word processing packages was above average had about 5.7 the odds of being prepared for eLearning as those whose competence was below average. Those whose competence in applying spreadsheets was above average were about 2.2 times as likely to be prepared for eLearning as those whose competence was below average. Participants whose competence in presentation packages was above average had about 5.1 times the odds of being prepared for eLearning as those whose competence was below average. Structuring the training program and harmonizing its schedules with academic semesters, making the University training program continuous, initiating a program for change management are some of the measures that the University should consider to improve lecturers’ preparedness to function in an eLearning setting.