Analyzing student aspirations factors affecting e-learning system success using a structural equation model

E-learning system success factors identification is of major interest in higher education. Understanding the role of students’ aspirations factor affecting the success of the e-learning system is a challenge for most educational institutions. The present study aims to analyze the effects of students’ aspirations factors in ensuring the success of the e-learning system through a developed research model extended from the integrated updated Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the DeLone and McLean Information System Success Model. The study participants who made up the model data sample were collected from 379 students engaged in the e-learning system at universities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Students’ aspirations are resumed in Motivation, Expectation, and Enjoyment factors. The structural equation model was used to analyze the main causes and effects that would guide students towards the use and success of the e-learning system. The study results showed the strong relationship between the students’ aspirations factors (Motivation, Expectation, and Enjoyment) and the adoption factors (Intention to Use and Perceived Usefulness) that lead to increased students’ confidence that e-learning adds value to their educational experience. In addition, results revealed the determining role of the effect of the Enjoyment factor on the benefits expected from the e-learning system process. Therefore, higher education institutions that aspire to benefit the most from the e-learning system should pay close attention to the aspirations of their students and enhance their enjoyment, and then redefine the “e” in e-learning as enjoy rather than simply electronic.