Managing learning outcomes with technology in Ghanaian higher education

The Internet and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in general have significantly transformed the world’s economy and social landscape, enhancing the lives of individuals, promoting business growth, and stimulating economic development. Not having access to the Internet and the appropriate technology comes with a high probability of constrained prospects of quality education, social mobility, employment opportunities, and other factors related to quality of life. This research used a concurrent mixed-method inquiry to explore the effects of digitalization on learning outcomes with a digital learning management platform (Sakai). University of Ghana was selected purposively because the university has been employing the use of Sakai LMS as a tool for teaching and learning since 2014. Two hundred and thirty students (230) at Level 100 in the Adult Education program of the University were chosen as participants for the quantitative survey (n = 230) and 10 students were randomly selected from the 230 to participate in an in-depth interview (n = 10). The study utilized both questionnaires and interviews for data collection. Whereas the quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics, the qualitative data were analysed via content and thematic approaches. The study found that Sakai as a learning tool enhanced students’ participation in discussion forums and online chats that enhanced the learning process through the sharing of ideas and course resources with one another.