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review · International Journal of Science and Research Archive

E-learning platforms in higher education: A comparative review of the USA and Africa

202443 citationsOpen accessUniversity of Ibadan

In plain language

E-learning platforms play distinct roles across higher education institutions in the United States and Africa. In the United States, digital learning tools, specialized collaborative systems, and massive open online courses are deeply integrated into tertiary education to expand access. In contrast, African universities navigate an evolving digital landscape shaped by economic, infrastructural, and cultural realities. Implementation across the African continent faces persistent obstacles regarding basic accessibility, connectivity limitations, and the wider digital divide, though novel partnerships and initiatives are emerging to address these constraints. Examining these contexts side by side demonstrates how institutional support, public policy frameworks, and funding mechanisms influence digital education adoption. Furthermore, e-learning offers valuable pathways to address socio-economic disparities and foster educational inclusion, influencing student engagement and pedagogical practices across diverse higher education settings.

Key takeaways

  • Higher education institutions in the United States widely deploy learning management systems, collaborative tools, and massive open online courses.
  • African universities encounter significant e-learning implementation challenges linked to infrastructure, connectivity, and socio-economic disparities.
  • Emerging partnerships and targeted initiatives are helping African tertiary institutions mitigate access barriers and the digital divide.
  • Institutional support, national policy frameworks, and funding structures directly govern the success and trajectory of digital education adoption.

Why it matters

Understanding how different regions adopt digital learning is crucial as global higher education becomes increasingly technology reliant. Highlighting the disparities between well-resourced institutions and developing environments helps policymakers, educators, and funders recognise practical constraints. These insights guide interventions to improve infrastructure, adapt pedagogical approaches, and expand inclusive educational access for students facing socio-economic and digital disadvantages.

Commercialisation angle

The abstract does not evaluate a specific product or technology, presenting an early-stage comparative analysis instead. Its findings could inform educational technology companies, platform developers, and public-private partnerships designing digital learning solutions tailored to low-bandwidth or infrastructure-constrained environments. Because the work focuses on policy, pedagogical, and structural reviews, it serves as strategic guidance for stakeholders rather than a near-market commercial application.

AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.

Abstract

This comparative review explores the landscape of e-learning platforms in higher education, drawing distinctions between the United States and Africa. As technology continues to transform education globally, understanding the nuanced approaches and challenges faced by these regions becomes paramount. In the United States, a leader in educational technology, e-learning platforms have become integral to higher education institutions. This study examines the diverse platforms utilized, ranging from learning management systems to specialized tools fostering interactive and collaborative learning experiences. The analysis also delves into the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their impact on access to education.In contrast, the African continent exhibits a varied and evolving e-learning terrain, shaped by economic, infrastructural, and cultural factors. The study reviews how African higher education institutions are adapting to digital transformation, emphasizing the unique challenges faced in the implementation of e-learning platforms. Accessibility, connectivity issues, and the digital divide present formidable hurdles, yet innovative initiatives and partnerships are emerging to address these constraints.A comparative lens is applied to elucidate commonalities and disparities in e-learning adoption between the USA and Africa. Policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and institutional support for e-learning initiatives are scrutinized, revealing how governmental and organizational strategies influence the trajectory of digital education. The study also considers the role of e-learning in addressing socio-economic disparities, particularly in Africa, where digital education has the potential to bridge gaps and enhance educational inclusivity.The implications of these comparative findings extend beyond the technological realm, touching upon pedagogical shifts, student engagement, and the future of higher education. As the world navigates the complexities of the digital age, this comparative review contributes to a broader understanding of how e-learning platforms are shaping higher education in the USA and Africa, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders invested in advancing educational opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Research topics

  • Online and Blended Learning

Sustainable Development Goals

Read the original research

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DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.1.0283

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