Factors Affecting the Use of an E-Learning Portal at University

Abstract

Electronic learning (e-learning) portals can be defined as websites that store and present materials for online learning, training, performance assessment, and certification. Few, if any, studies have investigated the factors that might contribute to the integration or implementation of e-learning portals in universities. With the development of this article, we intend to address the following questions: Does availability of ICT imply the use of e-learning portals? How is ICT being used by students? This article examines the relative importance and significance of three types of ICT (Internet, Groupware, and Collective systems) relating to the use of e-learning portal through an empirical investigation of 210 students in a Spanish university using a multinomial logistic regression. The results support that by effectively developing higher levels of Groupware systems, teachers empower students to make better, more informed decisions—and facilitate the utilization of e-learning portals.