Factors Affecting the Academic performance of E-Learning Midwives in Kyambogo, Nsambya and Mengo Nursing training Institutions of Uganda

Abstract

E-learning is widely use globally by most continuing students and provides them with freedo to study whenever they are. The study was descriptive and cross sectional study design in which quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis were used. The study was carried out in three nursing training institutions that included; Public Health College Kyambogo, Nsambya Training School and Mengo School of Nursing and Midwifery. Data was analyzed by SPSS computer program.

Results showed that, students factors that influenced the academic performance of e-learners were; majority 48(86%) were females, 25(45%) were 36-45 years, 35(62%0 were married, 53(95%) were employed, 35(62%) had skills in computer use, 41(73%) had personal computers while 45(80%) never had easy access to computers. Gender influenced academic performance by 86.8%, age influenced by 73.3%, employment influenced by 85.1%, computer training influenced by 53.4%, possession of computers influenced by 66.9% and accessibility to internet away from school influenced by 75.6%.

Majority 45(81%) of the respondents reported that computers were not readily available were school, 36(65%) reported the school had unreliable internet access and 30(54%) reported the tutors were not readily available at the school.

Institutional factors were; availability of computers and tutors at the school were the major institutional factors that influenced academic performance and had a cumulative percentage variance of 73.6%. Ready availability of computers had a factor loading of 92.1% while ready availability of support from tutors while at school was 83.9%.

This implied that, neither most students had computers nor enough knowledge to use them while the school never had enough computers and tutors to enable students perform well. The study suggests that, students should buy personal computers, get enough training to use them and partner with internet service providers so that they access internet whenever they are. The school should also ensure that adequate computers are availed to students, provide them with reliable internet and recruit tutors that would always help students during their stay at school and while away from school.