Determinants of Elearning Adoption by Learners: A Case of the Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background to the Study: Kenya Medical Training College initiated the Moodle- based eLearning platform in 2014. However, learners in several departments have not adopted eLearning fully. The objective of the study was to establish the determinants of eLearning adoption by learners at the Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi. Methodology: A descriptive design using cross sectional study was adopted as the methodology for the study. The learner population of 750 students was drawn from six departments, purposively sampled, at KMTC Nairobi. Random-stratified sampling was employed in the selection of 261 participants from the six departments. The study variables were classified as technology, learner, and institutional factors. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and 96.55% response rate was attained. The gathered data was analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistical and inferential regression analysis was performed on the gathered data. Results: The findings showed that 77% of the respondents indicated that internet connectivity hindered the ease of eLearning adoption. Further, the findings showed that the learning content in the Moodle platform was inadequate for the learners and KMTC does not have adequate infrastructure for eLearning. Multiple regression analysis was done where eLearning adoption was the dependent variable, and technology factors, learners’ factors, and institutional factors were the independent variables to determine their relationships. Only institutional factors had a statistically significant positive impact on the adoption of eLearning with Beta = 0.567 and P=0.000 < 0.05. Conclusion: The study concludes that the KMTC Nairobi campus has a low eLearning adoption rate due to insufficient internet in the institution. The study recommends that KMTC invest in internet and ICT infrastructure, and adequate ICT staff to support eLearning, the learners should own laptops upon enrolling for courses and regularly train on navigation and use of the Moodle Learning Management System for both learners and faculty.