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

Show-casing Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Abstract

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.