The Particularity of e-Learning in Higher Education Institutions in Japan (<Special Issue>Studies on Practical Use of e-Learning)

Abstract

The questionnaire survey was conducted to reveal the particularities of e-Learning courses through Japanese Universities. Our analysis shows that most e-Learning courses in Japan aim to enrich the quality of on-campus education, while not offering alternative opportunities to study for those who cannot attend a university facility. We questioned what conducting these types of e-Learning programs solved; and studied the problem by dividing the subjects into two categories: (a) institutions which have offered e-Learning courses before, and (b) institutions which have never experienced it. We found that both groups show difficulties having budget and manpower resources, and teachers' IT skills. The institutions offering e-Learning courses did not have problems keeping the quality of e-Learning courses, mostly because current e-Learning classes offered blended face to face communication. Finally, Japanese universities conduct e-Learning not to enlarge educational opportunity, but to enrich the quality of education.