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Security considerations of e-learning in higher education institutions
Author(s)
Ncubukezi, Tabisa
Date Issued
2012
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Learning management systems (LMSs) have become the central aspects of educational
processes in modern universities. Arguments are that LMSs improve educational efficiencies
including the processes of storage, retrieval and exchange of content without distance, space
and time constraints. A trusted platform without undue intrusions however, determines the
extent to which these benefits can be realized in higher education (HE) spaces. The
underlying assumption in this thesis therefore, is that e-Learning systems would lose its value
and integrity when the security aspects are ignored. Despite this logic, an overwhelming evidence security omissions and disruptions continue to
threaten e-Learning processes at CPUT, with a risk of the actual usage of LMS in the
institution. For this reason, this study sought to investigate the extent as well as causes of
existing security threats, security awareness programmes and the in/effectiveness of security
measures within CPUT. Within the qualitative interpretive research framework, the purposive
sampling method was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews were then used
to collect primary data from administrators, technicians, academics and students in the IT and
the Public Relations departments at CPUT. The activity theory (AT) was then used as the lens
to understand the security aspect in e-Learning systems in the CPUT. From this theory, an
analytical framework was developed. It presents holistic view of the security environment of e-
Learning as an activity system composed of actors (stakeholders), educational goals, rules (in
the form of policies, guidelines and procedures), activities, mediating factors, transformation,
and outcomes. The tension between these components accounts for failures in e-Learning
security practices, and ultimately in the e-Learning processes. Whilst security measures exist on the e-Learning platform, findings show a combination of the
tools, processes and awareness measures to be inadequate and therefore inhibiting. Poor
adherence to security guidelines in particular, is a major shortfall in this institution. To this end,
a continuous review of network policy, clear and consolidated communication between
stakeholders as well as emphasis on the enforcement of security compliance by users across
all departments is therefore recommended. Frequent security awareness and training
programmes for all LMS users must also be prioritized in this institution.
processes in modern universities. Arguments are that LMSs improve educational efficiencies
including the processes of storage, retrieval and exchange of content without distance, space
and time constraints. A trusted platform without undue intrusions however, determines the
extent to which these benefits can be realized in higher education (HE) spaces. The
underlying assumption in this thesis therefore, is that e-Learning systems would lose its value
and integrity when the security aspects are ignored. Despite this logic, an overwhelming evidence security omissions and disruptions continue to
threaten e-Learning processes at CPUT, with a risk of the actual usage of LMS in the
institution. For this reason, this study sought to investigate the extent as well as causes of
existing security threats, security awareness programmes and the in/effectiveness of security
measures within CPUT. Within the qualitative interpretive research framework, the purposive
sampling method was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews were then used
to collect primary data from administrators, technicians, academics and students in the IT and
the Public Relations departments at CPUT. The activity theory (AT) was then used as the lens
to understand the security aspect in e-Learning systems in the CPUT. From this theory, an
analytical framework was developed. It presents holistic view of the security environment of e-
Learning as an activity system composed of actors (stakeholders), educational goals, rules (in
the form of policies, guidelines and procedures), activities, mediating factors, transformation,
and outcomes. The tension between these components accounts for failures in e-Learning
security practices, and ultimately in the e-Learning processes. Whilst security measures exist on the e-Learning platform, findings show a combination of the
tools, processes and awareness measures to be inadequate and therefore inhibiting. Poor
adherence to security guidelines in particular, is a major shortfall in this institution. To this end,
a continuous review of network policy, clear and consolidated communication between
stakeholders as well as emphasis on the enforcement of security compliance by users across
all departments is therefore recommended. Frequent security awareness and training
programmes for all LMS users must also be prioritized in this institution.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology,2012.
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