Institute and learner readiness for e-learning in the Maldives

Abstract

One of the most pervasive ways of expanding higher education to masses is through e-learning. Maldives being an island nation scattered with over 1190 islands, e-learning would be an ideal form of delivery for students on remote islands. The purpose of this study is to explore Maldivian institutes and college students’ e-learning readiness. The research is a mixed-method research conducted employing questionnaires (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). About 120 students from two private higher education institutes filled questionnaires and 10 students selected for interviews. Similarly, about 50 lecturers/facilitators filled a separate questionnaire to obtain teacher/institute readiness for on-line learning/teaching.