An empirical study into factors that influence e-learning adoption by medical students in UAE

Abstract

Aim: The global higher education sector has shown an inclination towards the adoption of technology-based learning for introducing innovation in teaching and learning activities. However, this e-learning environment can only be effective if students have positive perceptions of e-learning. Hence, educational personnel is required to consider how students perceive this concept. This research intends to serve this purpose by identifying factors affecting students' acceptance of e-learning as well as their intention toward the use of e-learning for their learning activities.

Methods: The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used in this re-search to formulate a theoretical framework. This research will employ online questionnaires as a data collection tool while the international students enrolled at United Arab Emirates universities will serve as study participants.

Results: The research outcomes indicated the most crucial role played by the predictors of “Accessibility" “Perceived Enjoyment", “Social Influence”, “Perceived Usefulness”, and "Perceived Ease of Use" in shaping students’ intention to resort to e-learning platforms for learning purposes.

Conclusion: The research indicated that the extended TAM model is applicable in the UAE educational context. The research outcomes also showed the possibility for policymakers in the educational sector to make effective use of e-learning platforms both as a technological solution and as an e-learning platform to support distance learning. The research also highlights the practical implications for the concerned educational developers in the educational sector to help them develop and apply a competent e-learning system.

Acknowledgment: This work is a part of a project undertaken at the British University in Dubai

Conflicts of interest: None declared.