Indexing

Abstract:E-learning is one of the most promising pedagogy for education; however, most of the academic institutions are unable to facilitate full functional services using conventional e-learning systems due to various reasons.  Cloud computing is widely adapted emerged technology used by many global institutions with facilitating for elastic consumption using virtualization, self-service and pay-as-usage by reducing most of the direct costs.  The aim of the research was to ascertain the adoption of cloud based e-learning in private sector higher education institutions in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  The conceptual model of the study was derived through the theoretical models of TOE, TAM and DOI. Then, there were four segments identified as technological context, organizational context, environmental context and user behavioral aspect. Further, the mixed methodology which consists of both quantitative and qualitative analysis was used in the levels of the users including learners, lecturers, higher management and technical people in each institute.  Furthermore, there were 177 total respondents participated in the quantitative phase and 45 respondents participated in the qualitative phase. The statistical techniques of the Spearman’s correlation and binary logistics regression analysis rendered F statistics and R2 values to test the predictive models.  However, eight hypothesis identified as significant predictors and other eight hypotheses did not statistically predicate. Among the accepted significant indicators compatibility, bandwidth, top management support and motivation of academics were positively associated with the adoption and reliability, size, financial constraints and resource availability were negatively associated. Further, the challenges of implementing e-clouds have been identified in the qualitative phase.
Keywords:E-learning, global institutions, Academic Sector.