Factors Influencing the Use of E-learning in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

E-learning generally refers to the methods of learning which use electronic instructional content delivered via the internet and is a term which is synonymous with Web-based or online learning. In this age of globalization knowledge acquisition has become the critical means for gaining competitive advantage, and as such learning has become a crucial element of knowledge acquisition, application and creation. The objective of this study was to determine the factors influencing the use of e-learning in Public Universities in Kenya. E-learning seems unsuitable for those individuals without self-discipline. It requires a lot of self-discipline, mostly because e-learners are busy working adults as explained earlier. Besides, e-learners also seemed to need preparatory training especially in ICT skills in order for them to get used to e-learning environment. On top of these problems, elearners also face some problems for instance necessity of computer resources, bandwidth problems, lacking physical interactions and limited recognition of e-learning courses etc. These facts show that e-learning is not perfect at the moment and the e-learning providers should consider these limitations to improve e-learning services. A descriptive survey design was used in finding out the factors influencing the use of elearning in Public universities in Kenya. The Population of this study was the 19,205 employees (Academic and non-Academic staff) in all public universities. The sample size was 96 employees. A questionnaire was the preferred data collection instrument for this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results revealed perceived usefulness was important in explaining the use of e-learning. This is supported by a p value 0.000 which means that perceived usefulness is a statistically significant predictor of the use of e-learning. Results further revealed that such perceived ease of use is important in determining use of e-learning as demonstrated by a p value of 0.000. Analysis showed that supporting infrastructure is a key determinant in use of e-learning in Universities in Kenya and this was supported by a correlation coefficient of 0.398.