Factors affecting e-learning services adoption and utilization by students at Makerere University. A case study of CoBAMS at School of Statistics
Abstract
Introduction and significance. This study was conducted in Makerere University, the college of Business and Management Sciences at the school of statistics. The objective of the study was to find out the factors influencing the e-learning services adoption and utilization by students at Makerere University. Methods. The research methodology of the study was a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The sample size was 100 students and it was got through using the Cochran’s formula since the population of the students in Makerere University is unknown. The researcher used questionnaires that were designed using kobo collect to collect data, and the data was analyzed using STATA data package. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with adoption of online learning in Makerere University. Results. Study findings indicated that age was significantly associated with the adoption of online learning, with younger individuals exhibiting higher adoption rates (χ2 = 11.4907, p = 0.001), the student's course of study exhibited a significant association with the online learning (χ2 = 14.4774, p = 0.006), Language proficiency also showed a significant association with adoption rates. (χ2 = 12.2025, p = 0.002), Affordability of internet and computer devices (χ2 = 22.2991, p < 0.001) and access to necessary resources for e-learning (χ2 = 22.2991, p < 0.001) demonstrated significant associations, indicating higher adoption rates. At multivariate level, having access to e-learning resources significantly increased the odds of adoption (OR = 25.78, p = 0.002) and the ease of using online platforms also had a significant effect, with individuals finding it easy (OR = 7.18, p = 0.078) or very easy (OR = 11.58, p = 0.012) having higher odds of adoption. Recommendations. The study recommended that the educational institutions should improve on the resource accessibility in order for the students to adopt online learning. They should also enhance the availability of online platforms, address financial barriers and many others.