Assessment of ICT-based course delivery for mechanical engineering students: a case study

Abstract

During the first semester of 2007/2008 academic session at the University of Botswana (UB), some mechanical engineering courses were delivered using a blended method i.e. online resource (eLearning) and traditional face to face approach. This paper presents results of a study to analyse students’ perception of the eLearning technology, namely WebCT/Blackboard. An electronic questionnaire was administered to a cohort of third year mechanical engineering students for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 92 items that covered such areas as facilities, resources, access, instruction and quality issues. An open ended section enabled students comment on other issues related to the course delivery. The results show that students were very receptive of ICT based course delivery. The paper discusses the challenges of using eLearning and proffers recommendations to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from technological investment and staff effort.