COVID-19 and Online Learning: A SWOT Analysis of Users’ Perspectives on Learning Management System of University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Abstract

This study investigated users’ perceptions of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Learning Management Systems (LMS) based on SWOT. The study adopted the explanatory sequential mixed methods which sampled 3272 students and 20 lecturers by using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, respectively. The study used questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using Means and Standard Deviations, Independent Samples t-test, and ANOVA. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that UEW LMS is perceived to have elements of weaknesses and threats as well as strengths and opportunities. The study further found that the users of LMS differ in their perceptions in terms of SWOT based on students’ age. The students, however, did not differ significantly in their perceptions of SWOT based on gender. The study recommended that the management of UEW LMS need to educate both lecturers and students about the benefits that LMS offers to its users. Management of the UEW should make the usage of the LMS compulsory for teaching and learning while taking into consideration the age, level as well as the programme of study in the design and implementation of subsequent online platforms for students and lecturers.

Online learning experiences of adult applicants to a university in Ghana during the Covid-19 outbreak

“…This indicates that, unlike the observations by Hage et al (2020) , adult learners are building their confidence in online learning. What is critical is to orient them to enhance their utilization of learning management systems as noted by Dampson et al (2020) .…”

“…With the home study as a result of Covid-19, parents find the online, home-based learning and teaching as having a low impact, being less costly, not adding much value to the learning, and being time-consuming (Ngeywo et al, 2020). Students have been challenged with self-regulation and the use of technology for studying; teachers are reluctant to utilize technology ( Dampson et al, 2020 ), while educational institutions had difficulty in providing suitable technology ( Rasheed et al, 2020 ; Adarkwah 2021 ).…”

“… Aheto-Domi et al (2020) looked at the readiness of tutors of Colleges of Education in Ghana for digital learning and found that the tutors were not trained to teach in a virtual environment. Dampson et al (2020) found in their study on users at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana and recommended the need to educate both faculty and students on the benefits that learning management systems offers. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the situation of adult learners who had to study online during their preparation to enroll in higher education as non-traditional applicants.…”

A district-level vulnerability assessment of next COVID-19 variant (Omicron BA.2) in Uttarakhand using quantitative SWOT analysis

“…Furthermore, no study has used quantitative SWOT analysis to measure COVID-19 vulnerability in India or for any state previously. Dampson et al, ( 2020 ) utilised SWOT to evaluate COVID-19 in Ghana, whereas Dorcheh et al, ( 2021 ) used a hybrid-SWOT to evaluate COVID-19’s influence on economic conditions. This method, on the other hand, has never been applied in a major study to compare the performance of regions or nations in dealing with COVID-19.…”

SWOT Analysis Counseling In Dealing With Business Competition Following The COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Dengan menggunakan analisis SWOT, rencana optimal untuk mempertahankan operasi bisnis selama pandemi COVID-19 dapat dikembangkan dengan memahami aspek internal dan eksternal (Haryati, 2021). Pemeriksaan secara simultan dan mendalam terhadap kekuatan, kelemahan, peluang eksternal, dan potensi ancaman internal sistem adalah fokus dari analisis SWOT (Dampson et al, 2020). Analisis SWOT juga sering digunakan untuk memeriksa lingkungan internal dan eksternal organisasi selama masa ketidakpastian.…”