Harnessing e-Learning Delivery System for Higher Education Expansion: Learner Experience Challenges in Selected Public Universities of Malawi

Abstract E-learning delivery system was adopted by most public universities of Malawi as an expansion strategy for increasing learner enrolment into academic programmes. Although the e-learning system started before the Covid-19 Pandemic in Malawi, it became more widespread after health authorities closed all education institutions as a prevention intervention in 2020. This research paper has examined learner experience challenges with the e-learning delivery system for the ODeL programmes in selected three public universities of Malawi. The participating public universities comprised of Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and Mzuzu University (MZUNI) respectively. The research study mainly involved mixed research methods such as documentary analysis, focus group discussions and survey questionnaires with the learners. The data was processed using statistical tools and thematic analysis. The findings revealed multiple experiences challenges being faced by learners with e-Learning delivery system for ODeL academic programmes. Most of the learner experiences challenges such as limited access to internet facility by learners, unreliable internet connectivity, high cost of internet bundles which becomes unaffordable to learners, inappropriate use of digital devices and lack of skills on effective use of e-Learning delivery system.