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A model for technological aspect of e-learning readiness in higher education

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Abstract

The rate of adoption of e-learning has increased significantly in most higher education institutions in the world. E-learning refers to the use of electronic media, educational technology, also; information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational process. The aim for adopting e-learning is to provide students with educational services via the use of ICT. Thus, students can access educational resources from anywhere and at any time. However, the successful implementation of e-learning relies on the readiness to be able to initiate this system because, without proper readiness, the project will probably fail. E-learning readiness refers to the assessment of how ready an institution is to adopt and implement an e-learning project. One of the most important aspects of e-learning readiness is the technological aspect, which plays an important role in implementing an effective and efficient e-learning system. There is currently a lack of arguments concerning the factors that shape the technological aspect of e-learning readiness. The focus of this study is concentrated on the technological aspect of e-learning readiness. A model is proposed which includes eight technological factors, specifically: Software; Hardware; Connectivity; Security; Flexibility of the system; Technical Skills and Support; cloud computing; and Data center. A quantitative study was conducted at six Malaysian public universities, with survey responses from 374 Academic staff members who use e-learning. The empirical study confirmed that seven of the technological factors have a significant effect on e-learning readiness, while one factor (cloud computing) has not yet had a significant impact on e-learning readiness.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank her family members for their support in the completion of this paper. I would also like to thank the three experts who have been chosen to review the draft of survey for their participation in this study, and their contribution to the results. In addition, I thank all the academic staff for their participation in the survey. I also would like to express my gratitude to the reviewers for their helpful comments which helped to improve the quality of this paper.

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Correspondence to Asma Ali Mosa Al-araibi.

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Appendix

Table 12 Questionnaire items used to measure the constructs of the model

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Al-araibi, A.A.M., Naz’ri bin Mahrin, M., Yusoff, R.C.M. et al. A model for technological aspect of e-learning readiness in higher education. Educ Inf Technol 24, 1395–1431 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-018-9837-9

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