A model for technological aspect of e-learning readiness in higher education

Abstract

The rate of adoption of e-learning has increased significantly in most higher education institutions in the world. E-learning refers to the use of electronic media, educational technology, also; information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational process. The aim for adopting e-learning is to provide students with educational services via the use of ICT. Thus, students can access educational resources from anywhere and at any time. However, the successful implementation of e-learning relies on the readiness to be able to initiate this system because, without proper readiness, the project will probably fail. E-learning readiness refers to the assessment of how ready an institution is to adopt and implement an e-learning project. One of the most important aspects of e-learning readiness is the technological aspect, which plays an important role in implementing an effective and efficient e-learning system. There is currently a lack of arguments concerning the factors that shape the technological aspect of e-learning readiness. The focus of this study is concentrated on the technological aspect of e-learning readiness. A model is proposed which includes eight technological factors, specifically: Software; Hardware; Connectivity; Security; Flexibility of the system; Technical Skills and Support; cloud computing; and Data center. A quantitative study was conducted at six Malaysian public universities, with survey responses from 374 Academic staff members who use e-learning. The empirical study confirmed that seven of the technological factors have a significant effect on e-learning readiness, while one factor (cloud computing) has not yet had a significant impact on e-learning readiness.