Students Perspective Regarding Usefulness Of E-Learning In A South African University Of Technology

Several studies have been conducted in relation to electronic learning (e-learning) in higher education and many have noted its usefulness over recent decades. However, only a few have investigated the use of e-learning and whether or not it satisfies its users. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of e-learning to student achievement in higher education institutions, using the Durban University of Technology as a case study. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse primary data from 406 students of the Durban University of Technology, with data drawn from questionnaires personally dispersed to respondents and followed up telephonically. The results illustrated in this paper indicate that even though the majority of students are aware of e-learning and make use of it, some still show reluctance, which is a challenge. Thus, it is recommended that the Durban University of Technology should consider conducting workshops to educate students on the importance of elearning and its power, when used accordingly and continuously. For this reason, it is further advocated that every academic staff member should do their part in ensuring the student online Learning Management System, currently offered via Blackboard and soon through TLZ Moodle, on the Think Learn Zone platform of the DUT, is engaged with at all levels, as its success has been shown to positively impact the academic progress of students at Higher Education Institutes.