A Metric Scale-Based Assessment Framework for Risks Categorization and Associated Harm for LMS in Public Universities of Kenya.

Abstract

The development of e-learning is one of the information and communication technology's (ICT) most successful applications in Kenyan public universities. The higher education has undergone a significant change in learning approaches in recent years because of the significance and necessity of e-learning, such as the one occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic crisis as well as associated disruptions. The rapid growth in e-learning approaches in the public universities, did not come without risks. Like any other internet-based systems, the learning management systems (LMS) are prone to hackers’ attack. Given that the internet which is the LMS’s backbone is inherently unsecure, there is the need for not only fool proof, but also secure system. The main goal of this study was to investigate the common risks, extent of their harm to the LMS of Public Universities in Kenya, with the ultimate aim of developing a metric scale-based assessment framework as a forensic tool for the risks and harm categorization. With hybrid design the researcher proposed to use a combination of survey and cross-sectional methods to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data. The data collected was analyzed using both statistical and qualitative analysis methods. The study identified technology, infrastructure and skill gap as major contributing risks to the harm of LMS. The ultimate results of this study was the development of a comprehensive framework for risk assessment, which may be an important tool for forensic investigation by other stakeholders. Additionally, this framework will have a direct impact on the current practice of risk management by not only changing the way risks to LMS are handled, but may also policy development on the same