Factors relating to adoption of e-learning by under-graduates in Islamic University in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined factors and adoption of e-leaning among undergraduates in Islamic University in Uganda given the limited adoption of e-learning among undergraduates. Specifically, the study wanted to establish the relationship between; (a) attitude towards e-learning (b) access to ICT resources and (c) training in ICT skills and adoption of e-leaning among undergraduates in Islamic University in Uganda. Using a quantitative correlational survey, data from 171 undergraduates was collected using a self administered questionnaire and interview guides of four lecturers as the main data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for generation of summary frequency tables and graphics. The actual data analysis at univariate level was based on relative frequencies (or percentages) from frequency tables and descriptive statistics; at bivariate level, adoption of e-learning was correlated with the respective factors using Pearson’s method.

It was found out that there was a significant positive relationship between 1) attitude and adoption of e-leaning among undergraduates in Islamic University in Uganda; 2) access to ICT resources and adoption of e-leaning among undergraduates in Islamic University in Uganda; 3) training in ICT skills and adoption of e-leaning among undergraduates in Islamic University in Uganda. From the findings, it was concluded that adoption of e-learning in Islamic University in Uganda is highly related to 1) attitude of the undergraduates towards e-learning; 2) ease of access to ICT resources by the undergraduates in the University; 3) the level of training in ICT skills of the undergraduates provided by the university. The following recommendations were made to Islamic University in Uganda management: 1) It should put in place measures to ensure that the attitude of the undergraduates towards to use of e-learning or any other form of technology supported initiatives is kept positive; 2) The university should invest more into ICT resources to enable undergraduates’ access to ICT resources in addition to other strategic interventions to enhance e-learning use; 3) the University Management should strengthen the training in ICT skills given to the undergraduates so as to reduce possible resistance to elearning adoption.