Learning management system adoption in higher education using the extended technology acceptance model

Abstract

A learning management system is capable of enriching instruction and acceptance of this learning technology by users is crucial to its successful application in higher education. This study investigated factors that influenced adoption of a learning management system by higher education teachers using the technology acceptance model which incorporates three external constructs: system quality, perceived self-efficacy and facilitating conditions. Data collected from faculty respondents (n=127) through an online survey were examined by employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling. While several relationships were confirmed, others were not supported by this research. Results showed that both system quality and perceived self-efficacy strongly influenced perceived usefulness, which in turn indirectly affected attitudes towards the technology and behavioral intention. Additionally, system quality directly affected perceived ease of use and attitudes toward technology use. The strong and direct influence of perceived self-efficacy on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use suggests that faculty with positive beliefs about their ability to use the learning management system will regard it as both useful and easy to use. Facilitating conditions, on the other hand, affected neither perceived ease of use nor attitudes. Implications for practice, policy and potential research directions are likewise presented.