E-learning Adoption Research Articles

The COVID-19 pandemic and firms’ E-learning use: implications for inequality in training opportunities

This paper investigates whether the adoption of E-learning by firms contributed to offset the decrease in firm-sponsored training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a novel firm level survey linked with administrative data on the universe of workers within those firms, I study the role of E-learning in firms’ training activities during the crisis. I find that the COVID-19 pandemic substantially decreased firm-sponsored training by up to 11 percentage points. However, firms’ ability to use E-learning nullifies this negative effect. Furthermore, the differential capabilities of firms to apply E-learning might exacerbate already prevalent inequalities in training opportunities.

E-learning adoption: a comparative analysis of public sentiments during COVID-19

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated e-learning adoption, presenting both opportunities and challenges for educational development, particularly in the context of Information Technology for Development (ITD). This study profiles public sentiments on e-learning to identify key factors influencing IT-enabled education. A text analysis of Tweets from the United States and India posted from March 2020 to January 2022 was conducted using a computer-aided text analysis and natural language processing alongside a content analysis using a machine learning technique. Findings show positive sentiments towards e-learning from both countries, with trust, anticipation, and joy as predominant emotion categories. Themes of strongest importance are students, schools, and education as central to e-learning discussions. The study also uncovers challenges such as the need for internet infrastructure and teacher training in digital pedagogy. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how information technologies can address educational challenges and promote development in diverse global contexts.

E-learning Supporting Infrastructure Investment in South Africa: Perspective of a Developing Economy

South Africa is one of the developing economies. Most of its provinces are in rural areas and have poor or lack of reliable critical infrastructure to enable development as in the case of urban areas. Infrastructure refers to physical structures that serve as the underlying foundation for the functioning of an economy. It includes physical facilities such as communication systems (telephone lines, broadband), and power supply systems (electrical grids, dams, etc.). The focus of the study is on information communication technological infrastructure (ICT) such as telephone and broadband networks and electricity infrastructure that support the adoption of e-learning. Many schools in South Africa are in rural areas and are attended by the majority of learners. These learners should perform the same way as learners in urban schools. Urban schools have better access to ICT infrastructure. Due to a lack of equitable ICT infrastructure, many education institutions back-tracked from the hybrid teaching mode implemented during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown to the traditional class/lecture-room mode of teaching. It is revealed in the study that South Africa struggles in the area of infrastructure development. These affect the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) which are heavily dependent on infrastructure, including education. E-learning offers a better advantage compared to traditional class/lecture-room-based education. ICT infrastructure that supports the provision of e-learning is not equitably distributed, and those that are available are not enough and reliable. South Africa is reported to need R4.8 trillion to achieve its critical infrastructure goals, indicating a dire need for infrastructure investment. Under-investment in infrastructure affects all sectors of the economy, including the education sector.

Sustainable Adoption of E-Learning in Romanian Universities after the COVID-19 Outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economic processes and various facets of daily life, including education, necessitating adjustments to help society adapt to the temporary status quo, with Romanian educational institutions being profoundly affected, and a full transition to online learning was mandated by central authorities in March 2020. The paper’s scope is to assess the sustainability of e-learning in Romanian higher education in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. The study was conducted on bachelor students from three Romanian universities through an online questionnaire with a sample size of 505 valid responses. This study aims to investigate the relationships between information quality (IQ), system quality (SQ), service quality (SEQ), and quality of life (QL) within an integrated model, based on the variables of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and performance models of information systems (IS). Specifically, the research explores how these factors, along with the mediating roles of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU), influence students’ behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems (BISE) and actual use of them (EUOES) as a sustainable solution for post-pandemic COVID-19 education. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) was the selected method for data analysis performed with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The research results demonstrated that PU and PEOU showed a positive correlation relationship and were significantly influenced by IQ, SQ, and QL in the educational setting. The study also revealed that PEOU and PU exerted a positive influence on students’ behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems (BISE) sustainably and on their actual use (EUOES). This study benefits universities and higher education institutions by providing insights into enhancing e-learning platforms and integrating technology effectively, as well as by supporting the formulation of sustainable online learning strategies beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Determinants of E-Learning Acceptance in Indonesia Post-COVID-19 and Its Impact on Students’ Technopreneurship

Objective: This research aims to address the gaps in country-specific e-learning studies by examining the key factors influencing e-learning adoption in Indonesia. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review on flow theory, service quality, and technology acceptance models, the study develops a research model that includes four independent variables (instructor characteristics, teaching materials, content design, and enjoyment), two belief variables (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use), and one dependent variable (intention to use e-learning). Method: Data were collected from 404 respondents, comprising students and lecturers at state Islamic universities in Indonesia, using convenience sampling. The study employed SEM-PLS for data analysis, validating the research instrument's reliability and validity. Results: The results offer insights into the managerial implications and suggest directions for future research in e-learning adoption. Its results confirm six hypotheses. Novelty: This study fills a gap in e-learning adoption research by focusing on Indonesia and integrating flow theory, service quality, and technology acceptance models. It highlights the roles of perceived playfulness, ease of use, and instructional content design in influencing e-learning adoption while challenging the expected impact of instructor characteristics. This research provides fresh insights into technology-driven learning in the context of developing countries.

E-Learning Design for Older Adults in the United States

As global populations age, there is an urgent need to address the unique learning requirements of older adults in the context of e-learning. This study builds upon prior work to investigate the connections between older adults’ cognitive profiles, learning preferences, and attitudes toward technology in the United States. Through a survey of 203 U.S. adults aged 55 and above, data were collected on participant demographics, learning preferences, and attitudes towards technology. The results reveal a tech-savvy sample that is most comfortable with everyday applications and favors practical, visual learning approaches. Key findings include high levels of internet and smartphone adoption, varying confidence levels across different mobile applications, and strong preferences for step-by-step instructions, examples, and graphics in e-learning modules. This mixed-method study serves as a foundation for future research aimed at increasing the adoption and effectiveness of e-learning among older adults in the U.S. and globally, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of life and support for active-aging initiatives.

Stakeholders’ perception: E-Learning initiatives in school education of Rajasthan state in the course of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased adoption of e-learning in academic institutions, leading to the adoption of digital learning initiatives in Rajasthan. Projects-like SMILE, ‘Shikshadarshan - Educational T-DD Rajasthan’, ‘Shikshavani - Education via Radio’, ‘Hawamahal- Joyful Saturday program’, and ‘YouTube Rajiv Gandhi Career Portal’ were implemented. This study aimed to understand stakeholders’ perceptions of e-learning initiatives in Rajasthan and the global transformation of the education system. A descriptive survey conducted on 308 stakeholders from five government schools in Dungarpur district. The study reveals that 89% of students in Rajasthan state use smartphones for online classes, using WhatsApp video links, e-Raksha apps, YouTube, and open learning sources like Google. However, students often need help with language problems in content provided through e-learning initiatives, possibly due to the absence of their local language. Teachers are aware of e-learning initiatives but must be fully aware of them. Many teachers believe digital teaching-learning approaches make teaching plans and assessments more complex than face-to-face teaching. Parents and community members agree that their children can adopt e-learning comfortably, but 63% are unsatisfied with e-learning during COVID-19. Most participants agree that face-to-face teaching is better than e-learning and that the focus should be on face-to-face learning. The government should consider local languages for online videos and live programs. The department should include training programs for online learning resources in post-service education and teacher training to implement effective online education.

Student-Related Factors & Adoption of E-learning in Higher Educational Institutions

The adoption of e-learning in public higher education institutions has become essential, driven by technological advancements and the global pandemic (COVID-19). This research article examines student-related factors that influences e-learning adoption in the institutions of higher learning, with special reference to the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. A correlational research design, framed within the Unified Theory of Technology Adoption, was employed. Further, logistic regression analysis was conducted on data from 322 fourthyear students across 10 faculties. Findings reveal that mature students, aged 31-35 and above, were 56% and 12% more likely to adopt e-Learning than younger students. Male students were twice as likely to adopt e-Learning as their female counterparts, while students from the School of Computer and Information were twice as likely to adopt it compared to those from the School of Education. Practical implications include promoting peer-to-peer tutoring and fostering a positive attitude toward e-learning. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the uptake of e-Learning, providing institutions with knowledge to support student engagement and inform policy development.

An Overview of Arabic Language Open Educational Resources (OER) for Primary and Secondary Education and Their Use in Offline Environments

Open educational resource (OER) initiatives have opened new avenues for educational opportunities, yet OER adoption levels globally remain low. Two significant obstacles to more widespread adoption of OER are the challenge of internet connectivity that nearly half the world’s population still faces, and the lack of locally-relevant (e.g. in terms of language and curricula) OER resources. This article’s contribution is twofold. First, it presents a qualitative landscape analysis of existing primary- and secondary-level Arabic-language digital OERs and of the initiatives that provide these resources. Second, it details applied research via a case study, wherein appropriate resources identified in the analysis were subsequently curated for inclusion in an offline digital library currently being used in schools in Northeast Syria that offers all Open resources. Results from the landscape analysis indicate a limited quantity of Arabic-language OER content available for primary and secondary education. Furthermore, multiple challenges hinder the adoption of OER in resource-constrained settings. Accordingly, recommendations are made that could help to improve these resources' ability to be used, particularly drawing from the article’s applied case study for examples. Given the case study’s application of providing locally-relevant OER resources in an offline setting, this article provides a real-world example of furthering open e-learning, despite infrastructural, linguistic, and socio-political challenges. As such, it advances research supporting innovative e-learning practice, and should be of interest for scholars and practitioners interested in furthering the adoption of open e-learning in low-resource settings globally.

A Systematic Literature Review of Factors Influencing Satisfaction and Continuance Intention to Use E-Learning Systems in Higher Education

Electronic learning (e-learning) allows students to access course materials without time or location constraints. While much research has focused on e-learning adoption or acceptance, there is a lack of studies examining students' satisfaction with Continuance Intention (CI) to continue using e-learning systems. This paper conducts a systematic review of existing research on this topic within higher education. An analysis of 34 articles identifies 42 factors influencing students’ satisfaction with CI. The review outlines the models and constructs used in the studies, revealing that many employed the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) to assess satisfaction. Key constructs consistently found to significantly impact students' satisfaction with CI include System Quality, Information Quality, Self-efficacy, Service Quality, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Enjoyment.

The impact of PACK on the adoption of Metaverse in Oman

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, e-learning methods have emerged as a highly influential phenomenon in higher educational institutions. The adoption of e-learning has transformed traditional face-to-face teaching environments into flexible and collaborative modes of education through the utilization of the metaverse platform. However, limited research has addressed the educational aspect of students' adoption of the metaverse platform. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining a conceptual model that incorporates crucial factors such as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Technology Self Efficacy (TSE), Perceived Enjoyment (PE), Perceived Complexity (PC), Perceived Value (PV), and Controlled immersion, interaction, and imagination (III). A survey involving 342 students from Omani universities was conducted, revealing that TPACK positively influences metaverse adoption. The noteworthy impact of perceived enjoyment, perceived complexity, and perceived value were also observed. These findings underscore the significance of these factors in shaping the adoption of the metaverse and enhancing the e-learning experience. The practical implication of this study emphasizes the need for educational institutions to develop strategies enhancing technological skills, engagement, and content relevance in e-learning, particularly in the metaverse, to improve student adoption and learning experiences. This involves focusing on technological pedagogy, student confidence in technology use, and creating immersive, enjoyable, and valuable learning environments.

Impact and perceptions of distance learning among undergraduate nursing students: An exploratory cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid adoption of e-learning in education. Nursing students, unprepared for this shift, faced unique challenges. This study explored these challenges and influencing factors using a 53-item questionnaire completed by 184 nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 21 at a 0.05 significance level. Most students (71%) showed positive attitudes towards e-learning, finding it useful (mean score: 3.26±0.88), with links to self-efficacy (mean score: 3.04±0.82) and time-management (mean score: 3.39±0.73). Barriers included inadequate infrastructure and technical support (mean score: 3.14±1.3), lack of training (mean score: 3.03±1.3), and poor internet connections (mean score: 3.92±1.3). Students reported uneasiness (mean score: 2.77±1.5), confusion (mean score: 2.64±1.4), stress, and nervousness (mean score: 2.55±1.4). Younger students and females showed more positive attitudes towards e-learning (p-values < 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively). Despite positive attitudes, anxiety due to lack of training and infrastructure readiness persisted. Addressing these issues is crucial to enhance the effectiveness of e-learning.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Faculty Adoption of Cloud Computing E-Learning in Ghanaian Technical Universities

Cloud-based e-learning is a technology used to enhance teaching and learning in universities. However, its adoption in technical universities is low, and research into the factors influencing teacher adoption is limited. To address this situation, a study was conducted at Ghanaian technical universities to examine the determinants of teachers’ adoption of cloud-based e-learning. The study involved 1258 respondents, the majority of whom were male (853, or 67.8%), aged between 30 and 40 (47%), and 79.1% had a master’s degree. The results showed that individuals with a master’s degree had a higher level of knowledge of cloud-based e-learning compared to those with a bachelor’s, doctorate, or another master’s degree in technology. The study identified seven factors influencing the use of cloud-based e-learning, including pedagogical innovation, e-infrastructure readiness, cloud-based e-learning security, university location, the usefulness of cloud-based e-learning, and provider support. Interestingly, the cost of cloud-based e-learning had no significant impact.

A Cross-Cultural Study of University Students’ e-Learning Adoption

This study aims to investigate the differences in e-learning adoption among university students in Indonesia, Albania, Russia, and Kazakhstan and examine the role of cultural dimensions in explaining these differences. This research draws upon Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to explore the impact of culture on e-learning adoption in diverse global contexts. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of university students from the four countries, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) techniques. The findings reveal significant differences in e-learning adoption among the four countries, with learner engagement, learning satisfaction, and technology accessibility exhibiting varying levels of influence on e-learning adoption. The multi-group analysis indicates that cultural dimensions partially explain these differences, highlighting the importance of considering cultural factors when examining e-learning adoption in diverse settings. This study fills a gap in cross-cultural e-learning research, offering key insights into factors shaping students’ adoption of online platforms worldwide. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural considerations for educators, policymakers, and e-learning developers in global higher education. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the complex interplay between culture and e-learning adoption by demonstrating the explanatory power of cultural dimensions. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-015 Full Text: PDF

Students’ Perception of eLearning Adoption as a New Dimension of Education in Nigeria. A case study of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Open and Distance Learning Centre, Ogbomoso (LODLC)

Students’ Perception of eLearning Adoption as a New Dimension of Education in Nigeria. A case study of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Open and Distance Learning Centre, Ogbomoso (LODLC)

E-learning Quality and the Learners’ Choice Using Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Decision-making Approach

E-learning in the context of Industry 4.0 and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed traditional education. However, the smooth transition from face-to-face education to e-learning remains a challenging task, given concerns about e-learning quality. This study aims to explore the quality criteria and the adoption of e-learning via the spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SF-AHP). The extended technical acceptance model is used as a theoretical framework for constructing quality in an adoption hierarchical model. The input data derived from in-depth interviews of 20 experts in the field and the SF-AHP calculator have generated the priority weights of quality criteria in the model of e-learning adoption. The findings confirm the role of three major criteria, in order of importance, as follows: system, resources and core factors. The results highlight system factors as most crucial, including aspects such as governmental policies and institutional leadership, which are essential for setting a conducive environment for e-learning. Resource factors are ranked second, emphasizing the importance of IT applications, human capital and facilities to support e-learning infrastructure. Core factors, though ranked lower, are vital in ensuring the effectiveness of e-learning through course materials, instruction, and learner support. The weights of 14 sub-criteria have further shed light on policies to promote e-learning quality and its adoption. The implied priority of each weight a valuable guideline for the stakeholders’ actions to reach the targeted goals under the constraint resources.

Factors Influencing E-learning Adoption when Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Disciplines at a Science and Technology University in Ethiopia

eLearning technology in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) instruction may positively impact the quality of education in preparing a competent 21st-century workforce in developing countries. Adopting eLearning technology in higher education institutions' STEM departments in developing countries is critical in allowing its graduates to compete in the global workforce. Information technology integration into STEM disciplines in higher education in developing countries may have two purposes: course access and technology skill development. Training this labor force with skills to use eLearning integrated into STEM disciplines increases their technical competencies. However, using eLearning to teach STEM disciplines in higher education institutes in developing countries still needs improvement. Understanding the factors influencing eLearning adoption and use is critical to understanding this phenomenon. This case study explored factors influencing eLearning adoption when teaching STEM disciplines. The study occurred at a mid-sized science and technology university in Ethiopia. A qualitative research approach examined how faculty members describe factors influencing eLearning technology adoption and use in the STEM departments on campus: the data collection method combined semi-structured individual interviews, focused group interviews, and document reviews. Seven faculty members and department heads participated in the personal interviews, and three participated in focus group interviews. An inductive method was used to analyze data collected from participants. Five themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: nature of the course, technology, institution, user's attitude, and environment. Challenges related to technology infrastructure, lack of training and technical support, the course nature, and lack of eCurriculum design were significant factors in adopting and using eLearning. The concerted effort of stakeholders, specifically faculty members, institutional leaders, and technical support teams, to adopt and use eLearning in STEM instruction positively impacts the quality of education in preparing a competent 21st-century workforce in developing countries.

Adoption of e-learning by pre-university students following the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

Adoption of e-learning by pre-university students following the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

Factors Influencing University Students’ Behavioral Intention and Use of eLearning in Kathmandu Valley

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing university students’ intention and behavior toward eLearning in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The research framework used in this study was the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT). The most common factors associated with UTAUT are social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, behavioral intention, and use behavior. Data were collected from 385 university students through a closed-ended questionnaire through social media platforms. The demographic information of respondents was summarized using SPSS version 25 software, while structural equation modeling was performed using SmartPls version 3 to identify the factors that influence behavioral intention and use behavior of eLearning. The data analyses revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, and habit all significantly influence the behavioral intention of eLearning, with facilitating conditions being the most significant factor. Similarly, habit, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention also significantly influence the use behavior of eLearning, with facilitating conditions as the most significant factor. It suggests that students are more likely to utilize eLearning tools when they have access to various technical devices and receive sufficient support from educational institutions. Therefore, universities should prioritize accessibility, feedback mechanisms, and seamless integration of eLearning into curricula. Peer support, technical assistance, and promotion of the benefits of eLearning are also essential for fostering engagement. By focusing on these aspects, eLearning adoption can be optimized, leading to improved academic performance and learning outcomes among university students in Kathmandu Valley.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on E-Learning Adoption and Its Utilization at Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Institutions and Students' Perspectives

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on E-Learning Adoption and Its Utilization at Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Institutions and Students' Perspectives