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Perceptions of E-Learning amongst Public Health Students at a South African University

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Title: Perceptions of E-Learning amongst Public Health Students at a South African University
Language: English
Authors: Kavitha Naicker, Mari van Wyk
Source: International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. 2025 21(1):119-126.
Availability: International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. University of the West Indies Open Campus, Cavehill, Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000, West Indies. e-mail: chiefeditor-ijedict@open.uwi.edu; Web site: http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Public Health, Health Education, Electronic Learning, College Students, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Social Influences, Instructional Effectiveness, Access to Education, Usability, Student Satisfaction
Geographic Terms: South Africa
ISSN: 1814-0556
Abstract: Since the introduction of technological advancements in the 1990s, technology has permeated various aspects of our homes and livelihoods, including the educational system. This shift has led to a greater reliance on web-based tools in education, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced many institutions to transition to fully online programs to ensure the safety and continuity of education provision. In this context, understanding students' perceptions of e-learning and the challenges they face is crucial, as these factors significantly impact the success of their academic experiences and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to understand Public Health students' perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward online learning, seeking insights into their level of satisfaction with this mode of education delivery. The study involved 227 students in a South African University Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health program. All students received a study information link and the Perceptions towards e-learning Questionnaire. Their e-learning perceptions were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics, covering aspects such as attitude, social influences, effectiveness, accessibility, ease of use, and satisfaction. The study found robust support for online learning, with 98% preferring it and 97% showing increased interest. While 76% valued in-person interactions, 94% noted improved work-school-family balance with online learning. It proved effective, with 90% endorsing benefits for test preparation and 79% favouring it over in-class learning. Accessibility was positive, as 91% reported no information loss, and 86% faced no Internet access issues. Regarding ease of use, students preferred the learning management system, choosing online over face-to-face. Overall, students reported enhanced computer skills and high e-learning satisfaction. The study findings indicate online learning effectively achieves educational goals, providing convenience, enhancing engagement, and boosting overall satisfaction. The survey respondents generally expressed high acceptance and contentment with online education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1471087
Database: ERIC
FullText Links:
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  Data: Perceptions of E-Learning amongst Public Health Students at a South African University
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  Data: International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. University of the West Indies Open Campus, Cavehill, Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000, West Indies. e-mail: chiefeditor-ijedict@open.uwi.edu; Web site: http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/
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  Data: Since the introduction of technological advancements in the 1990s, technology has permeated various aspects of our homes and livelihoods, including the educational system. This shift has led to a greater reliance on web-based tools in education, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced many institutions to transition to fully online programs to ensure the safety and continuity of education provision. In this context, understanding students' perceptions of e-learning and the challenges they face is crucial, as these factors significantly impact the success of their academic experiences and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to understand Public Health students' perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward online learning, seeking insights into their level of satisfaction with this mode of education delivery. The study involved 227 students in a South African University Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health program. All students received a study information link and the Perceptions towards e-learning Questionnaire. Their e-learning perceptions were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics, covering aspects such as attitude, social influences, effectiveness, accessibility, ease of use, and satisfaction. The study found robust support for online learning, with 98% preferring it and 97% showing increased interest. While 76% valued in-person interactions, 94% noted improved work-school-family balance with online learning. It proved effective, with 90% endorsing benefits for test preparation and 79% favouring it over in-class learning. Accessibility was positive, as 91% reported no information loss, and 86% faced no Internet access issues. Regarding ease of use, students preferred the learning management system, choosing online over face-to-face. Overall, students reported enhanced computer skills and high e-learning satisfaction. The study findings indicate online learning effectively achieves educational goals, providing convenience, enhancing engagement, and boosting overall satisfaction. The survey respondents generally expressed high acceptance and contentment with online education.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 8
        StartPage: 119
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Public Health
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Health Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Electronic Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Influences
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      – SubjectFull: Instructional Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: Access to Education
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      – SubjectFull: Usability
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      – SubjectFull: Student Satisfaction
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      – SubjectFull: South Africa
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