Improving the Effectiveness of E-Learning Implementation in the School of Engineering at Tripoli University

The study is concerned with generating recommendations for the development of e- learning strategy at the School of Engineering at Tripoli University in Libya. They are based on the identified barriers to the successful e-learning implementation in the institution after the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the
questionnaires developed using SmartSurvey software package. The barriers were classified in three main categories: technical, cultural and mismanagement. These barriers were compared with those from Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries (as close culture) and UK (as international culture and developed country).
Then a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) model for the diagnostic of the current stage of e-learning performance in the institution is developed. The user-centred design and action research approach are used for the design, development and implementation of an e-learning package for
a module studied by Year 4 students from School of Engineering at Tripoli University. The e-learning packages played a supporting role in the delivery of the chosen module therefore the blended learning approach contributed to the improvement of the quality for the teaching and learning processes.
A novel I-CUBE model which can be used for the development of teaching and learning activities in a digital era is proposed. The sources of information for the proposed model are: quantitative and qualitative analysis of the stakeholders answers; conclusions for the (SWOT) analysis; researcher’s reflections of the design, development and implementation of the e-learning package, study of the relevant educational publications and researcher’s personal experience. There are several common opinions about the factors influencing the successful e-learning implementation so it is possible to make correlations between the
stakeholders’ points of view and to construct the surfaces which are included in the I-CUBE model.
A set of institutional, pedagogical and technological recommendations for the development of e-learning strategy in the School of Engineering at Tripoli University are formulated. These are derived from the analysis of barriers and SWOT model related to the successful e-learning implementation in Libyan Higher Education Institutes (LHEIs). Also the aspects included in the proposed novel I-CUBE model for the development of teaching and learning activities, the researcher’s personal experience as a student and lecturer at Tripoli University and as a PhD student at the University of Huddersfield in UK are also considered. The implementation of these recommendations will enable the enhancement of students’ learning experience and staff satisfaction through technology-based education addressing the flexible and diverse learning community’s needs.