Motivation Path between the Difficulties and Attitudes of Using the E-Learning Systems in the Jordanian Universities: Aajloun University as a Case Study

Abstract

The E-learning systems are important for the universities due to the gained benefits from these systems. By using the E-learning system, the learning expenses can be reduced, the learning management would be improved, and the learning quality could be enhanced. Like any technology system, the students' motivation and positive attitude are success keys of the E-learning adoption by the universities. There are many difficulties faced by the students in using the E-learning system such as the technical difficulties, services difficulties, awareness, interactivity, and security concerns. This study aims to study the effects of the E-learning difficulties on the attitudes of using the E-learning systems through the path of students' motivation. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is adopted to construct the conceptual model in this study. This study considered the E-learning difficulties as independent factor, the mediating factor is the motivation of using the E-learning systems, and the dependent factor is the attitudes toward the using of the E-learning systems. Based on the constructed model, three research hypotheses are developed to test the relationship between the E-learning difficulties and motivation, between motivation and attitudes, and between difficulties and attitudes through the motivation. The quantitative data method using questionnaire is used to collect the study data. The data collected from 154 students from Ajloun University as a case study of Jordanian universities. The case study is selected due the experience of the students in using E-learning system called BigBlueButton. The questionnaire data were analyzed using AMOS tool in order to discover the direct and indirect paths between the study variables. The significant results show that there moderator effects of the students motivation on the relationship between the E-learning difficulties and the attitudes toward the using of these systems. The P-values is significant at p < 0.05 on the relationship between the study variables. Another important result is that the difficulties of E-learning such as technical, services, and interactivity should be avoided to improve the motivation level of using the E-learning systems. Also, the low motivation level lead to decrease the attitudes level toward the using of E-learning systems. The contribution of this study represented by fill the research gap of the motivation path on the relationship between the E-learning difficulties and attitudes. This study gives the university important details about the features of success implementations of E-learning systems.