Using the UTAUT model to understand students’ usage of e-learning systems in developing countries

Research on information systems has identified a variety of factors across a range of adoption models that determine their acceptance. In this research, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), which integrates determinants across eight models, was utilised to analyse students’ intentions to use and their actual usage of Moodle, an e-learning system at Hashemite University, a public university in Jordan, one of developing countries. Four principal determinants of intention and usage were explored: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Data were collected from 370 undergraduate students and analysed using structural equation modelling techniques. The results indicated that performance expectancy and effort expectancy affected behavioural intentions to use Moodle whereas social influence did not. In addition, the results confirmed the direct impact of behavioural intentions and facilitating conditions on students’ use of Moodle. UTAUT thus provides a valuable tool that enables university decision makers, faculty members, and designers to understand the factors driving e-learning system acceptance and thus facilitate the adoption of the system by students. The study will help educational institutions prepare e-learning systems, which is especially important during a state of emergency such as that caused by COVID-19.