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European Journal of Open Education and E-learning Studies ISSN: 2501-9120 ISSN-L: 2501-9120 Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu Volume 2│ Issue 1 │ 2017 doi: 10.5281/zenodo.843555 PEDAGOGICAL USABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE E-LEARNING SYSTEM IN MUNI UNIVERSITY, UGANDA Solomon Ngos Pacutoi Department of Computer and Information Science Muni University, P.O. Box 725 Arua, Uganda Abstract: This study was intended to unveil the pedagogical usability of the e-learning system in Muni University. The study adopted a case study design to allow in-depth study. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. A total of 218 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and 179 questionnaires were received back registering a response rate of 82%. Descriptive statistics were computed. Inferential statistical analysis included correlation and multiple regressions, which were used to test the hypotheses. The correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the strength of the relationship. The significance of the coefficient (p) was used to test the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. Regressions and ANOVA determined which of the independent variables accounted most for the variance in the dependent variable. Qualitative data were analyzed under themes. Results show that pedagogical usability has very high influence on the effectiveness of the e-learning system at Muni University accounting for 82% variance. Keywords: pedagogical usability, effectiveness, e-learning 1. Introduction This study was intended to examine the effectiveness of the pedagogical usability of the e-learning system in Muni University. Pedagogical usability indicators indices included flexibility, autonomy and accessibility on the system. Effectiveness was considered in terms of Uploading Assignments, Quiz, Lecture notes, Chats, Forum, Choices, Workshops and other reading materials. Effectiveness of e-learning in Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. © 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 109 Solomon Ngos Pacuto PEDAGOGICAL USABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE E-LEARNING SYSTEM IN MUNI UNIVERSITY, UGANDA Universities has become an issue of concern, despite the continuous government support for e-learning programs. The study was therefore intended to establish why, despite the government efforts on improvement of e-learning technologies, the effectiveness of the e-learning system in Muni University remained wanting. The study presents the background to the study, the problem statement and the objective; it continues to presents the methodology used to carry out the study, results, conclusion and recommendation. 1.1 Historical background The term 'e-learning' has only been in existence since 1999. When the word was first utilized, other terms - such as 'online learning' and 'virtual learning' - also began to spring up in search of an accurate description of exactly what e-learning was. However, the principles behind e-learning have been well documented throughout history, and there is even evidence that suggests that early forms of e-learning existed as far back as the 19th century. With the introduction of the computer and internet in the late 20th century, elearning tools and delivery methods expanded. The first MAC in the 1980s enabled individuals to have computers in their homes, making it easier for them to learn about particular subjects and develop certain skillsets. Then, in the following decade, virtual learning environments began to truly thrive, with people gaining access to a wealth of online information and e-learning opportunities. By the early 90s, several schools had been set up to deliver courses online, making the most of the internet and bringing education to people unable to attend a college due to geographical or time constraints. Technological advancements also helped educational establishments reduce the costs of distance learning - a saving that could then be passed on to the students, helping bring education to a wider audience. At the end of the 90s, the learning management systems (LMS) spread widely. Some universities preferred to design and develop their own systems, but most of the educational institutions started with systems from the market. The dawn of the learning management systems (LMS) allowed students and teachers to exchange learning materials, do tests, communicate with each other in many ways, track and trace their progress. The environment was able to facilitate learning in quite an easy way: the product was simple to use, and for teachers it didn't represent a steep learning curve. For downloading the full article, please access the following link: http://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejoe/article/view/960 European Journal of Open Education and E-learning Studies - Volume 2│ Issue 1 │ 2017 110