Contribution of Smart Learning on Students’ Academic Competences in Private Universities in Rwanda

Abstract

The integration of smart learning in teaching and learning process can be successful and increase Students’ academic competences as long as smart learning facilities are integrated. This study titled “contribution of smart learning on students’ academic competences in private universities in Rwanda” assessed the contribution of smart learning technologies on students’ academic performance and explored the relationship between smart learning and students’ academic competences in private universities in Rwanda. In order formulate research design, the study was guided by system and flipping classroom theory. The research adopted a descriptive research design. The targeted population of the study was 400 respondents who were sampled by using Yamane’s formula of sample calculation to become 200 composed by 7 Staff members, 23 lecturers and 170 students. The staff members were purposively chosen while students and lectures were simple randomly sampled. The data collection tools used in this study were Questionnaires and interview. In order to analyses data, the study adopted descriptive, quantitative and qualitative techniques. Through retesting piloted study, reliability was employed by using accurate valid measures. The results showed that the use of smart learning facilities has improved the students’ competences in campuses where 70.6 % strongly agree and 15.9 % answered agree. The study further confirmed that smart learning tools engage and motivate students’ learning process where 71.2 % responded strongly agree and 17.1% responded agree. The study concluded that there was a correlation between smart learning and students’ academic competences where Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation was 0.751, which means the smart learning, contribute to the students’ academic competences. The study recommended that through ministry of education government of Rwanda need to increase fund allocated in supporting private universities. Higher Education Council also need to increase its intensive monitoring and evaluation on the effective use of smart learning within campuses. Lecturers need allow all students to interact with computers and smart digital tools.