Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Online Learning in Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia: A Focus on an Ideal Online Learning Enhancement Framework

The study explored the innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher learning institutions in Zambia. The objectives of the study were; to explore innovative strategies which could enhance online learning in higher learning institutions, and to propose an ideal online learning policy framework that can enhance online learning in higher learning institutions. The study was guided by the Constructivist Learning Theory and the Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher employed a pragmatic paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sample was made up of 180 educators who were purposely selected from four universities. Additionally, four (4) Directors of Distance Education in charge of Online Learning in the four universities, one (1) ICT engineer from the Internet Service Provider in the selected universities were also purposely selected. Three (3) research instruments were used to collect data; a questionnaire which was used to collect quantitative data from educators and two interview guides which were used to collect qualitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings of the study brought to the fore some of the strategies that could be used to enhance online learning in Zambia such as facilitation of learners’ acquisition of ICT gadgets at an affordable price, pushing more investment in online learning software such as zoom, and introduction of tax incentives on all ICT equipment bought by higher learning institutions in order to make them more affordable. The study also showed that some higher learning institutions conducted online learning without a clear policy guideline. Majority of the learning institutions relied on distance learning policy developed many years ago for guidance. In view of the findings, the study recommended the development of an online learning enhancement policy framework which highlights the strategies to be applied by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Education, Internet Service Providers and Higher Learning Institutions for effective online teaching and learning to take place in Higher Learning Institutions of Zambia.