Barriers and Opportunities of E-Learning Implementation in Iraq: A Case of Public Universities

Authors

  • Ahmed Al-Azawei School of Systems Engineering University of Reading
  • Patrick Parslow School of Systems Engineering University of Reading
  • Karsten Lundqvist School of Systems Engineering University of Reading

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i5.2501

Keywords:

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), e-learning, developing countries, challenges of e-learning application

Abstract

Although the implementation of e-learning initiatives has reached advanced stages in developed countries, it is still in its infancy in many developing nations and the Middle East in particular. Recently, few public universities in Iraq have initiated limited attempts to use e-learning alongside traditional classrooms. However, different obstacles are preventing successful adoption of this technology. The present research aimed to highlight challenges that hinder effective implementation of e-learning in Iraq and recommend possible solutions to tackle them. A total of 108 respondents voluntarily participated in this research. They consisted of academic staff (N=74), professors in charge of e-learning (N=3), and undergraduate students (N=31). Three methods were used to collect data: a survey instrument, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Data was then analyzed and reported quantitatively and qualitatively. This provided in-depth understanding to the current status of e-learning in public Iraqi universities and highlighted major hindrances of its successful application. Based on this analysis, the study proffered many recommendations that should be considered in order to fully benefit from e-learning technologies.

Published

2016-09-26

How to Cite

Al-Azawei, A., Parslow, P., & Lundqvist, K. (2016). Barriers and Opportunities of E-Learning Implementation in Iraq: A Case of Public Universities. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i5.2501

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Athabasca University Press