Many a time when the issues of e-learning implementation are discussed in Africa, most hide behind "no infrastructure, no institutional or national policies, but isn’t all that just hiding behind the "thin finger"? The perception that is in our mind when we hear e-learning is: state of the art computers, video conferences and the kind of technologies seen in the science fic movies. but is not putting content as simple power point presentation a form of e-learning, is not instant messaging, smsing, use of simple computer application, use of open source software and learning environments a form or a steps towards the broader definition of e-learning??
The basic problems are culture and attitude change, The question that comes to mind is , 'Do Trainers, Lectures and others really "want" e-learning, or is it just a social imposition upon Africa by the "global trend"'. So in my personal view (which of course may not be shared by some if not many), the first port of call is to address attitude, cultural and social perspectives that people have towards the whole concept of e-learning. Then when everyone is in the same frame of mind (wilful adoption of the e-learning concept) can issues of implementation and development of e-learning begin. Some Institutions have invested in some of the best infrastructure and HR, but all that has remained idle ("gathering dust") because none is ready to use it.
Well that is just food for thought!!!
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