Abstract: The present study argues that there is a great relationship between the learning support and the performance of mathematics of ODeL level one students. The findings of this study were drawn from a large study aimed at examining the influence of learners support on performance in mathematics’ modules of open distance and e-learning (ODeL) for in – service secondary school teachers with a case study of University of Rwanda-College of Education level one mathematics ODeL students 2021-2022. This study investigated the lecturers’ perception towards the learning support; the extent to which ODeL instructional materials contribute to the performance and examination of the relationship between learning support and the performance of mathematics of ODeL students. The study was carried out based on the gap found in literature review where others have been script on ODeL but not on specific topic of mathematics. Through questionnaire, quantitative data were collected from 40 respondents using mixed approach and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between learning support and the performance of mathematics modules. This study, therefore, recommends the provision of ICT tools to ODeL students, put more efforts in using technology as ODeL students, cooperate each other as ODeL students and choose the options related to their background.

Abstract: The outbreak of -COVID19 on Mother Earth prompted for reactions, adjustments and novelties on all aspects of life, including the education sector. In universities world-wide, modes of lesson delivery were compelled to change from the usual face-to-face to online teaching strategies. Researchers of this qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 on the public university students’ learning in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through interviewing students online and observations. Thematic approach was used for data analysis. Findings showed that university students’ shift from face-toface to online learning brought a plethora of challenges which include: lack of e-learning hardware, limited technical knowhow, expensive data bundles, network challenges, frequent power-cuts, home-learning disturbances and low-teacher online response. There were also some advantages, for instance, technological development on the part of the students, lecturers and universities towards world standards. The study recommended for universities and national intervention especially on: engaging mobile network operators to subside data costs and e-learning gadgets funding. There is also need for lecturers and students’ online instructional enhancement and electronic gadget operation workshops to make the involved parties prepared for this new-normal at hand.

Received March 5, 2018; Revised April 4, 2018; Accepted April 11, 2018

Abstract: Effective exchange of experiences and skills is not guaranteed by the enormous potentials of internetworking systems and devices. E-learning technologies represent a good opportunity to reduce the digital divide and to ensure faster and higher development trends. The study focused on the following objectives: 1) To identify the adoption process of E-learning platform in UTB, 2) to identify students’ perception of E-learning platform in UTB, 3) to identify the possible challenges faced during adoption process. The research design of the study was descriptive and both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Primary data and secondary data were collected through questionnaires, Interviews and documentation. The study revealed and analyzed the following stages taken to adopt E-learning system: 1) knowledge, 2) persuasion, 3) decision, 4) implementation, and 5) confirmation. One of the most relevant barriers to the effective diffusion of e-learning concerns the cultural and personal attitudes of both teachers and students towards e-learning. The following challenges were indicated: 1) lower Internet access, 2) reluctance of students towards E-learning, 3) non-familiarity of students with ICT related facilities. Researchers recommend the following: University should raise students’ awareness of E-learning and motivate them to use available learning services provided by the university on E-learning platform. The university should cease providing paper-based learning materials to students by encouraging them to access them from Elearning platform. Students should be motivated and trained on ICT-related courses.