Factors influencing Undergraduate Students' Adoption of e-learning During Covid -19: Evidence from Sri Lankan State Universities

Abstract

Around the world, e-learning is considered a crucial tool to expand traditional forms of learning and improve effective learning skills. Especially in higher education institutions in Sri Lanka, using e-learning systems is the latest trend during Covid-19. It encourages students to access learning materials and interact with lecturers and colleagues via the Internet. However, undergraduate students' perception of the adoption of e-learning, their knowledge, and skills in dealing with the Internet and computers determine the success of implementing and using e-learning systems at the State Universities. This research aims to examine the factors affecting the behavioural intention of Sri Lankan state universities in adapting e-learning systems during covid -19. A conceptual framework was developed by extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, social influence, price value and facilitating conditions) by incorporating two additional factors, namely, trust and self-efficacy. Quantitative methodology has been applied, and questionnaire was used to collect data from five hundred undergraduates at ten state universities in Sri Lanka were based on a convenience sampling method.