E-learning in tertiary institutions in Botswana: apathy to adoption

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nomological web between technology acceptance model metrics such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived web privacy of e-learning resources on attitude and behavioural intention of virtual platform for learning by university students. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a quantitative method by using self-administered survey instruments among university students who have at least one year of e-learning experience. Psychometric nomenclature of survey instruments was conducted and the reliability and validity metrics of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, extent of e-learning use, perceived web-based privacy, attitude and behavioural intentions meet the threshold as established in extant literature. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to explicate hypothesised relationship. Findings The study found out that e-learning use, perceived usefulness and attitude are associated with learners behavioural intentions, while perceived ease of use and perceived web-based privacy are not significantly associated with behavioural intentions of e-learners in Botswana. The findings further showed in the regression analysis that the extent of e-learning use, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude are significantly related to behavioural intentions, while the perceived web-based privacy is not significantly related to behavioural intentions. Practical implications The e-learning processes thus help outline the effective marketing strategies and promotions or nichemanship among university students which help uncover the influence of innovation metrics on e-learning among the youth target audience in Botswana as the country seeks to achieve a paradigm shift from mineral-led economy to knowledge-based society. Originality/value Despite the popularity of e-learning approach as explicated in extant literature, the extent to which such platform is accepted with respect to security and reliability most especially in an emerging economy like Botswana is ambiguous. This study thus seeks to establish the extent to which e-learning in Botho University and Botswana Open University creates a platform for intention to use as regards technological acceptance parsimonious model in Botswana.