Exploring Options for Setting up an integrated all-inclusive National eLearning System: The case of Zambia

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring available options for establishing a versatile national integrated all-inclusive^[1] digital eLearning system. It also proposed a countrywide digital system perceived appropriate for Zambia from among several options. This qualitative study relied on two primary theories including Change management and Rogers’ model to advance a proposed approach for installing an integrated digital educational ecosystem. To arrive at the initial sample of 18, the enquiry identified participants via stakeholder mapping before applying purposive sampling upon varied potential study informants that included HEA accredited HEIs, independent experts and relevant government units. An inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to select the final sample. The research found that a centrally coordinated integrated ecosystem was ideal to expand learner access to quality education, narrow digital divide and collate strategic data. The enquiry also found that half of respondents (52%) felt a Zambian owned integrated digital learning installation (ecosystem) was best. Additionally, the study further found that several other digital systems and approaches existed in country and had been used by industry players but centrally mobilized multi-sectoral interdisciplinary coordination lacked. The study concludes that an integrated eLearning system is a necessity needing urgent establishment by a government led consortium of stakeholders (54%). The research also concludes that lack of dedicated regular funding, contextual eLearning policy, supporting and enabling structure and effective leadership (champions) contributes to hindering eLearning growth and development in the country. The study recommends that Government leads and facilitates specific eLearning policy formulation, national coordination, skills training, provide for dedicated guaranteed funding, ongoing research, stakeholder engagement for development, ongoing sensitization, designing and setting up (installing) this digital hub to universally serve all educational institutions countrywide thus contributing to the SDG # 4, ‘Universal education access’ quest.

Key words: Project; Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E); Internet Service Provider (ISP); Digital Infrastructure; eLearning; Stakeholders; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Learning Management System (LMS); Information Communication Technology (ICT)

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-1-02

Publication date: January 30th 2026

[1] i.e. from nursery to tertiary education level there by expanding access to excluded populations.