Impact Assessment of Digital Learning Tools in South African Higher Education

Dorcas Oladayo Esan; Themba Masombuka

doi:10.51519/journalisi.v7i1.999

Dorcas Oladayo Esan University of South Africa, South Africa
Themba Masombuka University of South Africa, South Africa

DOI: 10.51519/journalisi.v7i1.999

Keywords: Technological development, Tertiary institution, e-learning, UTAUT, LMS.

Abstract

Technological advancements have significantly reshaped the operational landscape of tertiary institutions, enhancing both student and academic efficiency processes. In South Africa, many students in higher learning institutions scrambled to use technology for teaching and learning due to load shedding, poor internet connectivity, lack of technological skills, lack of technology training by the tertiary institutions, etc. This study employs the UTAUT to understand better how technological innovations impact South African higher institutions. The UTAUT model includes components such as effort expectancy, self-awareness, social influence, facilitating conditions, and voluntary use to fully understand the factors influencing technology development and adoption. Three hundred and ten (N=310) students from underprivileged tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape participated in this study. The study used a quantitative research methodology based on a 5-point Likert scale to gauge the respondents' intention to use technology for teaching and learning. Regression analysis and NOVA statistical tools were used to analyse the acquired data. The findings revealed that most participating students believe that technological advancements had a positive impact on their ability to teach and learn. The research findings imply that faculty should implement training programs on digital tools, improve IT infrastructure, provision of free internet bundles, and develop policies that support the adoption of e-learning technologies.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

L. K. Kalyani, "The Role of Technology in Education: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and 21st Century Skills," Int. J. Sci. Res. Mod. Sci. Technol., vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 5–10, 2024, doi: 10.59828/ijsrmst.v3i4.199.

S. Marshall, L. Blaj-Ward, N. Dreamson, J. Nyanjom, and M. T. Bertuol, "The Reshaping of Higher Education: Technological Impacts, Pedagogical Change, and Future Projections," High. Educ. Res. Dev., vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 521–541, 2024, doi: 10.1080/07294360.2024.2329393.

A. Haleem, M. Javaid, M. A. Qadri, and R. Suman, "Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Education: A Review," Sustain. Oper. Comput., vol. 3, pp. 275–285, 2022.

O. A. A. B. T. Gamede and O. S. Afolabi, "Exploring the Adoption and Usage of Learning Management System as an Alternative for Curriculum Delivery in South African Higher Education Institutions During COVID-19 Lockdown," Int. J. High. Educ., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 71–84, 2021, doi: 10.5430/ijhe.v11n1p71.

C. C. Chigozie-Okwum, P. C. Ezeanyeji, and J. N. Odii, "Adoption of Learning Management Systems in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Issues and Challenges," Int. J. Comput. Appl., vol. 181, no. 30, pp. 975–8887, 2018, doi: 10.5120/ijca2018918173.

S. Mhlongo, K. Mbatha, B. Ramatsetse, and R. Dlamini, "Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects of Adopting and Using Smart Digital Technologies in Learning Environments: An Iterative Review," Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 6, p. e16348, 2023.

B. I. Omodan, "Deconstructing the Challenges of COVID-19 on First-Year Rural University Students in South Africa," Afr. J. Inter/Multidiscip. Stud., vol. 3, no. 1, 2021.

R. E. Sewandono, A. Thoyib, D. Hadiwidjojo, and A. Rofq, "Performance Expectancy of E-Learning on Higher Institutions of Education Under Uncertain Conditions: Indonesia Context," Educ. Inf. Technol., vol. 28, pp. 4041–4068, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-11074-9.

I. Y. Alyoussef, "Acceptance of E-Learning in Higher Education: The Role of Task-Technology Fit with the Information Systems Success Model," Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 3, p. e13751, 2023.

V. Venkatesh, J. Y. L. Thong, and X. Xu, "Consumer Acceptance and Use of Information Technology: Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology," MIS Q., vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 157–178, 2012.

S. Ahmad, A. S. M. Noor, A. A. Alwan, Y. Gulzar, W. Z. Khan, and F. A. Reegu, "eLearning Acceptance and Adoption Challenges in Higher Education," Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 7, p. 6190, 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15076190.

H. Khechine, P. Ndjambou, and S. Lakhali, "A Meta-Analysis of the UTAUT Model: 11 Years Later," Can. J. Adm. Sci., vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 138–152, 2016.

I. Kakepoto, I. A. Memon, I. A. Halepoto, Q. Talpur, and K. B. Jalbani, "Exploring E-Learning Barriers of University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic," Int. J. Innov. Creat. Change, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 1161–1174, 2021.

J. N. Jere, "Investigating University Academics’ Behavioural Intention in the Adoption of E-Learning in a Time of COVID-19," S. Afr. J. Inf. Manage., vol. 22, no. 1, p. a1280, 2020, doi: 10.4102/sajim.v22i1.1280.

M. M. McIntyre, P. S. Medina, J. Zhang, and A. Ni, "Understanding Student Intentions to Take Online Courses: A Theory-Driven Examination of Adoption Factors and Prior Experience," Educ. Inf. Technol., vol. 28, pp. 15599–15624, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s10639-023-11823-4.

A. Z. A. Rawashdeh, E. Y. Mohammed, A. R. A. Arab, M. Alara, and B. Al-Rawashdeh, "Advantages and Disadvantages of Using E-Learning in University Education: Analyzing Students’ Perspectives," Electron. J. E-Learn., vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 107–117, 2021.

G. Payne and J. Payne, Key Concepts in Social Research, SAGE Publications, 2004, doi: 10.4135/9781849209397.

V. Venkatesh, X. Zhang, and T. A. Sykes, "Doctors Do Too Little Technology: A Longitudinal Field Study of an Electronic Healthcare System," J. Inf. Syst. Res., vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 319–339, 2011.

H. Pamugar, W. W. Winarno, and W. Najib, "Model Evaluasi Kesuksesan dan Penerimaan Sistem Informasi E-Learning pada Lembaga Diklat Pemerintah," Sci. J. Inf., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 13–27, 2014, doi: 10.15294/sji.v1i1.3638.

M. Kocaleva, I. Stojanovic, and Z. Zdravev, "Model of E-Learning Acceptance and Use for Teaching Staff in Higher Education Institutions," Int. J. Mod. Educ. Comput. Sci., vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 23–31, 2015.

M. S. Kocaleva, I. Stojanovic, and Z. Zdravev, "Model of E-Learning Acceptance and Use for Teaching Staff in Higher Education Institutions," Int. J. Mod. Educ. Comput. Sci., no. 7, pp. 23–31, 2015, doi: 10.5815/ijmecs.2015.04.03.

D. S. Haris and Elvina, "Analysis of Factors Affecting User Acceptance of the Implementation of Classcraft E-Learning: Case Study Faculty of Information Technology of Tarumanagara University," in Proc. Int. Conf. Adv. Comput. Sci. Inf. Syst., 2015, pp. 73–78, doi: 10.1109/ICACSIS.2015.7415161.

O. J. Osahon and O. Kingsley, "Statistical Approach to the Link Between Internal Service Quality and Employee Job Satisfaction: A Case Study," Am. J. Appl. Math. Stat., vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 178–184, 2016, doi: 10.12691/ajams-4-6-3.

R. A. Peterson, "A Meta-Analysis of Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha," J. Consum. Res., vol. 21, pp. 381–391, 1994.

I. Willems, V. Verbestel, P. Calders, B. Lapauw, and M. D. Craemer, "Test-Retest Reliability and Internal Consistency of a Newly Developed Questionnaire to Assess Explanatory Variables of 24-H Movement Behaviors in Adults," Int. J. Environ. Public Health, vol. 1, no. 20, p. 4407, 2023, doi: 10.3390/ijerph20054407.

H. Khechine, P. Ndjambou, and S. Lakhali, "A Meta-Analysis of the UTAUT Model: 11 Years Later," Can. J. Adm. Sci., vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 138–152, 2016.

P. G. Jupp, "The Ecology of West Nile Virus in South Africa and the Occurrence of Outbreaks in Humans," 2006.

J. F. Hair, C. M. Ringle, and M. Sarstedt, "Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling: Rigorous Applications, Better Results and Higher Acceptance," Long Range Plann., vol. 46, pp. 1–12, 2013.

M. Sarstedt, C. M. Ringle, D. Smith, R. Reams, and J. F. Hair, "Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM): A Useful Tool for Family Business Researchers," J. Fam. Bus. Strategy, vol. 5, pp. 105–115, 2014.

Y. S. Foon and B. C. Y. Fah, "Internet Banking Adoption in Kuala Lumpur: An Application of UTAUT Model," Int. J. Bus. Manage., vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 161–167, 2011.

T. Bates and A. Sangra, "Managing Technology in Higher Education: Strategies for Transforming Teaching and Learning," John Wiley & Sons, 2011.

K. S. Devi, V. V. Lakshmi, and M. Aparna, "Moodle – An Effective Learning Management System for 21st Century Learners," Alochana Chakra J., vol. IX, no. VI, 2020.

N. Kumar et al., "Educational Technology and Libraries Supporting Online Learning," IGI Glob., pp. 209–237, 2024, doi: 10.4018/979-8-3693-2782-1.ch012.

V. Venkatesh, M. G. Morris, G. B. Davis, and F. D. Davis, "User Acceptance of Information: Towards A Unified View," MIS Q., vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 425–478, 2003, doi: 10.2307/30036540.

S. Alharbi and S. Drew, "Factors Affecting the Adoption of E-learning in Saudi Arabian Universities," Comput. Human Behav., vol. 30, pp. 111–117, 2014.

W. Bhuasiri, O. Xaymoungkhoun, H. Zo, and J. J. Rho, "Critical Success Factors for E-Learning in Developing Countries: A Comparative Study Between Laos and Thailand," Int. Rev. Res. Open Distrib. Learn., vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 162–184, 2012.

J. Ahn, M. Chang, and J. Lee, "A Study on the Factors Affecting the Intention to Use E-Learning Systems in Higher Education," Educ. Technol. Res. Dev., vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 241–263, 2007.

V. Venkatesh and F. D. Davis, "A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies," Manag. Sci., vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 186–204, 2000.

C. Wang, Y. Wang, and C. Wang, "An Investigation of the Acceptance of Blended Learning in Higher Education: A Case Study in Taiwan," Educ. Technol. Soc., vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 12–22, 2014.

L. Ma and J. Liu, "The Effects of Perceived Ease of Use and Self-Efficacy on Students’ Behavioural Intention to Use Blended Learning," Comput. Human Behav., vol. 108, no. 106320, 2020.

P. Tiwari, N. Singh, and A. Shukla, "Self-Efficacy and Technology Acceptance Model: A Study on Higher Education Students," Educ. Inf. Technol., vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 2871–2893, 2020.

A. Bandura, "Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control," W. H. Freeman and Company, 1997.

P. Hsieh and H. Wu, "Exploring Students’ Intention to Use Web 2.0 Technologies: A Study of the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Web 2.0 Technologies," Comput. Educ., vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 1696–1704, 2011.

S. Beekman, A. V. d. Linde, and M. Rossouw, "The Impact of Financial Barriers on Student Engagement in Higher Education," Stud. High. Educ., vol. 47, no. 8, pp. 1647–1660, 2022.

C. Mbaleki, F. A. Elegbeleye, O. A. Esan, and T. Rabotapi, "Power Supply Rationing in an Era of E-Learning: Evidence from the Rural University," Eureka: Soc. Humanit., vol. 6, pp. 3–12, 2023.

M. I. Hossain and A. Shukla, "The Influence of Social Norms on the Use of Educational Technologies," J. Educ. Comput. Res., vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 1741–1765, 2019.

Y. Wang, Y. Wang, and W. Chen, "The Role of Social Support in the Acceptance of Mobile Learning," J. Educ. Technol. Soc., vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 173–183, 2016.

J. S. Fu, "ICT in Education: A Critical Literature Review and Its Implications," Int. J. Educ. Dev. Using Inf. Commun. Technol., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 112–125, 2013.

J. L. Moore, C. Dickson-Deane, and K. Galyen, "E-Learning, Online Learning, and Distance Learning Environments: Are They the Same?," Internet High. Educ., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 129–135, 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.iheduc.2010.10.001.

S. Higgins, Z. Xiao, and M. Katsipataki, "The Impact of Digital Technology on Learning: A Summary for the Education Endowment Foundation," Educ. Endow. Found. Durham Univ., 2015.

A. Delgado, L. Wardlow, K. O’Malley, and K. McKnight, "Educational Technology: A Review of the Integration, Resources, and Effectiveness of Technology in K-12 Classrooms," J. Inf. Technol. Educ. Res., vol. 14, no. 397, 2015.

A. Ferrari, R. Cachia, and Y. Punie, "Educational Change Through Technology: A Challenge for Obligatory Schooling in Europe," Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., vol. 6964, pp. 97–110, 2011.

M. Escueta, V. Quan, A. J. Nickow, and P. Oreopoulos, "Education Technology: An Evidence-Based Review," 2017.

F. Mızrak and M. Culduz, "Determining and Evaluating Criteria for Transformational Leadership in Educational Institutions With AHP Method," in Transformational Leadership Styles for Global Leaders: Management and Communication Strategies, pp. 56–77, 2023, doi: 10.4018/979-8-3693-1380-0.ch004.

M. Mahyoob, "Challenges of E-Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic Experienced by EFL Learners," Arab World Engl. J., vol. 11, no. 4, 2020.

S. Palvia et al., "Online Education: Worldwide Status, Challenges, Trends, and Implications," J. Glob. Inf. Technol. Manage., vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 233–241, 2018, doi: 10.1080/1097198X.2018.1542262.