posted on 2022-03-13, 17:11authored byJack Matlou Chokwe
The study investigated the perceptions the acceptance and continued use of e-LMS for teaching and learning in South African ODeL university. A quantitative research method using a cross-sectional design was deemed appropriate to collect data that answered the research questions of this study. Two questionnaires were designed to be completed by both academic staff and first year students of a language department. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was adopted as the theoretical framework underpinning this study while Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, capital and field and constructivism were used as philosophical underpinnings. The findings of this study clearly indicate that despite e-learning being in its infancy in this ODeL university and South Africa in general, students and academic staff are already using the e-LMS for learning and teaching respectively. However, facilitating conditions and technological habitus which include e-LMS system overload, poor bandwidth, high data costs, minimal participation of both academic staff and students, among others, still bedevil the implementation of e-learning within the South African ODeL context. Structural equation modelling was also used to test UTAUT constructs and found that all constructs had no relationship with behavioural intention. However, age, experience and computer access were moderating variables. The findings of the study contribute to the body of knowledge on the use of UTAUT in the South African ODeL context. More importantly, the study contributes a framework for acceptance and continued use of e-LMS for ODL universities in the context of developing countries.