Home All Issues Issue articles Previous article

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption

Daglous Masveta 1 * ,
Batsirai Chivhanga 1
1 Chinhoyi University of Technology, ZIMBABWE* Corresponding Author
Educational Point, 3(2), 2026, e168, https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
Publication date: Oct 15, 2026
Research Article
Open Access Open Access
Download PDF

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the eLearning platforms which primary school learners in Zimbabwe use. A qualitative research approach using interpretive philosophy interviewed four ICT facilitators in government and private primary schools located in Chinhoyi within Mashonaland West Province. Through its inductive research approach, the study concentrated on event contexts which made it workable with minimal data points and static measuring period. Educational videos together with visual aids and interactive quizzes receive popularity with students because these materials offer direct and tangible media formats for lesson instruction. WhatsApp functions as the main platform for educational technology because it provides users with cost-effectiveness combined with simple usage and friendly interface. The main obstacles to successful e-learning include inadequate internet connections together with insufficient knowledge about using platforms Ruzivo and the Zimbabwe e-learning passport. The study advises the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) to develop and participate in training programs that will enable teachers to embrace e-learning platforms efficiently.

KEYWORDS

e-learning e-learning platform user interface user experience multimedia content

CITATION (APA)

Masveta, D., & Chivhanga, B. (2026). Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption. Educational Point, 3(2), e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
Harvard
Masveta, D., and Chivhanga, B. (2026). Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption. Educational Point, 3(2), e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
Vancouver
Masveta D, Chivhanga B. Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption. Educational Point. 2026;3(2):e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
AMA
Masveta D, Chivhanga B. Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption. Educational Point. 2026;3(2), e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
Chicago
Masveta, Daglous, and Batsirai Chivhanga. "Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption". Educational Point 2026 3 no. 2 (2026): e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620
MLA
Masveta, Daglous et al. "Bridging the Digital Divide: A Qualitative Study on User Interface Design and the Challenges of E-Learning Adoption". Educational Point, vol. 3, no. 2, 2026, e168. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/19620

REFERENCES

  1. Adhitya, C., Andreswari, R., & Alam, P. F. (2021, February). Analysis and design of UI and UX web-based application in Maiproyek startup using user centered design method in information system program of Telkom University. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1077(1), Article 12039. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1077/1/012039
  2. Ahn, J., Park, J. M., Lee, W. H., & Noh, G. Y. (2021). Website interactivity and processing: Menu customization and sense of agency are keys to better interaction design. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 147, Article 102581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2020.102581
  3. Alipio, M. (2020). Education during COVID-19 Era: Are learners in a less-economically developed country ready for e-learning? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Education-during-Covid-19-Era%3A-Are-Learners-in-a-Alipio/b5d086a49326c89e1869e3a45a083d231b27cc71?utm_source=direct_link
  4. Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2017). Digital compass learning: Distance education enrollment report 2017. Babson Survey Research Group. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED580868.pdf
  5. Alqurni, J. S. (2023). Evaluating the user interface and usability approaches for e-learning systems. International Journal of Information Technology and Web Engineering, 18(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJITWE.333638
  6. Alsswey, A., & Al-Samarraie, H. (2021). The role of Hofstede's cultural dimensions in the design of user interface: The case of Arabic. Ai Edam, 35(1), 116-127. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0890060421000019
  7. Araújo, A. S. (2020). Adoção por casais homoafetivos: uma análise bibliográfica [Adoption by homo-affective couples: a bibliographic analysis] [Thesis, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão]. https://rosario.ufma.br/jspui/handle/123456789/4600
  8. Bakos, J., Siu, M., Orengo, A., & Kasiri, N. (2020). An analysis of environmental sustainability in small & medium‐sized enterprises: Patterns and trends. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(3), 1285-1296. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2433
  9. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  10. Chikuvadze, P., Zuva, J., Mugijima, S., & Rusike, P. (2025). Adoption of e-learning in Zimbabwe’s higher education: Opportunities and challenges. Indonesian Journal of Learning Education and Counseling, 7(2), 81-93. https://doi.org/10.31960/ijolec.v7i2.2955
  11. Chitanana, L., Makaza, D. & Madzima, K. (2008). The current state of e-learning at universities in Zimbabwe: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, 4(2), 5-15. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/42289/
  12. Dalipi, F., Jokela, P., Kastrati, Z., Kurti, A., & Elm, P. (2022). Going digital as a result of COVID-19: Insights from students’ and teachers’ impressions in a Swedish university. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 3, Article 100136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2022.100136
  13. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
  14. Davis, F. D. (1993). User acceptance of information technology: System characteristics, user perceptions and behavioral impacts. International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 38(3), 475-487. https://doi.org/10.1006/imms.1993.1022
  15. Digital Class. (2024, August 2). E-learning vs traditional learning: Which one is better? https://www.digitalclassworld.com/blog/e-learning-vs-traditional-learning/
  16. Donaire, X. S. (2009). Don't make me think: A common sense approach to web usability. Revista De Biblioteconomia I Documentació, 50, 134-135. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=3008639
  17. Dube, B. (2020). Rural online learning in the context of COVID-19 in South Africa: Evoking an inclusive education approach. Multidisciplinary Journal of Educational Research, 10(2), 135-157. https://doi.org/10.17583/remie.2020.5607
  18. Dzinotyiwei, M., & Taddese, A. (2020). Ed-Tech in Zimbabwe: A rapid scan. Ed-Tech Hub. https://doi.org/10.5281/Zenodo.3903838
  19. eLearning Industry. (2023). Evolving roles of eLearning in the education sector. https://elearningindustry.com/
  20. Galitz, W. O. (2007). The essential guide to user interface design: an introduction to GUI design principles and techniques (3rd Edition). John Wiley & Sons. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/shop/general-introductory-computer-science/the-essential-guide-to-user-interface-design-an-introduction-to-gui-design-principles-and-techniques-3rd-edition-p-9780470053423
  21. Gefen, D., Karahanna, E., & Straub, D. W. (2003). Trust and TAM in online shopping: An integrated model. MIS Quarterly, 27(1), 51-90. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036519
  22. Global Market Insights. (2023). E-learning market size & share, industry report 2023–2032. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/elearning-market-size
  23. Häkkinen, P., Järvelä, S., Mäkitalo-Siegl, K., Ahonen, A., Näykki, P., & Valtonen, T. (2017). Preparing teacher-students for twenty-first-century learning practices (PREP 21): A framework for enhancing collaborative problem-solving and strategic learning skills. Teachers and Teaching, 23(1), 25-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2016.1203772
  24. Hassenzahl, M. (2010). Experience design: Technology for all the right reasons (Vol. 8). Morgan & Claypool Publishers. https://doi.org/10.2200/S00261ED1V01Y201003HCI008
  25. Kuchai, O., Skyba, K., Demchenko, A., Savchenko, N., Necheporuk, Y., & Rezvan, O. (2022). The importance of multimedia education in the informatization of society. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, 22(4), 797-803. https://doi.org/10.22937/IJCSNS.2022.22.4.95
  26. Li, M. (2024). Assessing Chinese primary mathematics teachers’ self-efficacy for technology integration: Development and validation of a multifaceted scale. Asian Journal for Mathematics Education, 3(2), 231-253. https://doi.org/10.1177/27527263241254496
  27. Lin, L., Lin, X., Zhang, X., & Ginns, P. (2024). The personalized learning by interest effect on interest, cognitive load, retention, and transfer: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 36, Article 88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09933-7
  28. LMS Portals. (2025, January 23). Global eLearning market projections: Which regions are experiencing the fastest growth? https://www.lmsportals.com/post/global-elearning-market-projections-which-regions-are-experiencing-the-fastest-growth
  29. Mandel, T. (1997). The golden rules of user interface design. In T. Mandel (Ed.), The elements of user interface design (pp. 1-28), John Wiley & Sons. https://theomandel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Mandel-GoldenRules.pdf
  30. Maphosa, V. (2021). Factors influencing student’s perceptions towards e-learning adoption during COVID-19 pandemic: A developing country context. European Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Education, 2(2), Article e02109. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejimed/11000
  31. Marcotte, E. (2010). Responsive web design (2nd Edition). A Book Apart, LLC. https://abookapart.com/products/responsive-web-design.html
  32. Marzuki, Widiati, U., Rusdin, D., Darwin, & Indrawati, I. (2023). The impact of AI writing tools on the content and organization of students’ writing: EFL teachers’ perspective. Cogent Education, 10(2), Article 2236469. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2236469
  33. Mayer, R. E. (2002). Multimedia learning. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 41, 85-139. ghttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-7421(02)80005-6
  34. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, & UNICEF Zimbabwe. (2021). Zimbabwe launches an innovative learning platform for children and teachers. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/press-releases/zimbabwe-launches-innovative-learning-platform-children-and-teachers
  35. Miya, T. K., & Govender, I. (2022). UX/UI design of online learning platforms and their impact on learning: A review. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 11(10), 316-327. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v11i10.2236
  36. Nasution, W. S. L., & Nusa, P. (2021). UI/UX design web-based learning application using design thinking method. ARRUS Journal of Engineering and Technology, 1(1), 18-27. https://doi.org/10.35877/jetech532
  37. Natarajan, T., Balasubramanian, S. A., & Kasilingam, D. L. (2017). Understanding the intention to use mobile shopping applications and its influence on price sensitivity. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 37, 8-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.02.010
  38. Nielsen, J. (1993). Iterative user-interface design. Computer, 26(11), 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1109/2.241424
  39. Nyamboki, S., Areba, G. N., & Oranga, J. (2025). Integration of information communication technology for effective implementation of competency-based education in junior schools in Rangwe Sub-County Homa Bay County, Kenya, Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 9(3), 54 – 70. https://doi.org/10.59765/jriie.9.3.6.
  40. O'Brien, H.L., Toms, E.G., Kelloway, E.K., & Kelley, E. (2008), Developing and evaluating a reliable measure of user engagement. Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 45(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1002/meet.2008.1450450258
  41. Priyadarshini, P. (2024). The impact of user interface design on user engagement. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 13(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18146084
  42. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students. Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/nl/en_NL/higher-education/subject-catalogue/business-and-management/saunders-research-methods-for-business-students-9ed.html
  43. Shneiderman, B. (2010). Designing the user interface: strategies for effective human-computer interaction. Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/designing-the-user-interface-strategies-for-effective-human-computer-interaction/P200000003485/9780137503889?srsltid=AU7gw4Vf8k6C__V3kOVjGOfMchfGG9V4F4ox-yO5V3OlUowJ-smxaeAp
  44. Sridevi, S. (2014). User interface design. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology Research, 2(2), 415-426. http://www.researchpublish.com.
  45. Tractinsky, N. (1997, March 22-27). Aesthetics and apparent usability: empirically assessing cultural and methodological issues. In Proceedings of the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 115-122). https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/258549.258626
  46. Traynor, B. (2022). UX standards and UX maturity. Journal of Usability Studies, 17(2), 31-40. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/3542830.3542831
  47. Trymata. (2023). What is user interface (UI)? definition, examples and best practices. Trymata. https://trymata.com/blog/what-is-user-interface-ui/
  48. Uizard. (2023). What are UI elements? https://uizard.io/
  49. UNESCO, UNICEF, & World Bank. (2020). What have we learnt? Overview of findings from a survey of ministries of education on national responses to COVID-19. UNESCO Publishing, UNICEF, & The World Bank. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374702
  50. Van Dijk, J. A. (2005). The deepening divide: Inequality in the information society. Sage Publications. https://sk.sagepub.com/book/mono/the-deepening-divide/toc
  51. Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. (2000). A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: Four longitudinal field studies. Management Science, 46(2), 186-204. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4062393
  52. Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (1996). A model of the antecedents of perceived ease of use: Development and test. Decision Sciences, 27(3), 451-481. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1996.tb00860.x
  53. Venkatesh, V., & Speier, C. (1999). Computer technology training in the workplace: A longitudinal investigation of the effect of mood. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 79(1), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.1006/obhd.1999.2837
  54. W3C. (2018). Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. W3C Recommendation. https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

LICENSE

Creative Commons License
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.