Bridging the digital divide: a study of barriers in open and distance e-learning at Virtual University of Pakistan.

Abstract

The developments of communication and information technologies in the educational system have facilitated e-learning in both developed and underdeveloped countries. While trying to cope with new technologies, e-Learning is considered a powerful tool for increasing the enrollment of students in higher education who have no access to the traditional educational institute. Especially students are targeted from rural areas by providing a flexible and relatively cheaper alternative to the traditional mode of education. Apart from the potential of e-learning, there are enormous challenges and barriers to the distance and e-learning system. The current study explores the potential barriers which have students face during e-learning. The result from the qualitative study explored the four main themes of barriers such as individual barriers, technological barriers, communication barriers and pedagogical barriers and seventeen subthemes.