A Study on Electronic Learning Drivers and Barriers among Undergraduate Students a Case: Nutrition Department, Faculty of Public Health, University of Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Education is the driving force for economic and social development. Considering this, it is necessary to find ways to make education’s quality, accessible, and affordable to all using the latest technology available. Accordingly, it is significant to determine all possible drivers and barriers toward electronic learning. This article aims to determine the drivers and barriers of electronic learning among undergraduate students in the Nutrition Department, Faculty of Public Health, the University of Benghazi during the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half of respondents, (59%) are strongly comfortable and confident learning online. Time management, students lecturers interaction were the most positive attitudes to word electronic learning with a percentage of (55%) and (60%) respectively. Electricity disconnection, internet disconnection, lack of computer, laptop and/or smartphone, lack of colleagues support and interaction, lack of computer skills, lack of administrational and technical training support, were the most common barriers mentioned by students. Student attitudes and beliefs towards electronic learning, as well as their satisfaction with technology and electronic learning experiences, are regarded as success determinants of future electronic learning initiatives at Benghazi University. It would be useful to see if the findings presented in this article could be expanded to participants from other disciplines and other universities in Libya via repeat this research in different disciplines and institutions.