Application of the utaut model to understand the factors influencing the use of web 2.0 tools in e-learning in Kenyan public universities

Abstract

The focus of this study was to identify factors influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in e-learning in Kenyan Public Universities. The tools can then be introduced and used to aid in successful collaborative learning. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify the tools and social networking sites used for e-learning in Kenyan Universities; assess learner perspectives and challenges posed when using these tools; determine the factors influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in e-learning in Kenyan Universities in order to assess their contribution towards online learning. A descriptive survey research design was used. Data was collected through questionnaires from both students and lecturers. Purposive sampling was used for the selection of the respondents who included e-learning instructors and students. A total of 48 lecturers and 136 students participated in the study. The results of the study showed that the most common tools used for e-learning in Public Kenyan Universities were Social networks. These included Youtube and Facebook. It was also interesting to note how learners perceived the tools. The major challenges relating to these tools were slow Internet connectivity, privacy and security concerns and the vast amount of information associated with these tools, hence finding it difficult to identify relevant content. Finally, Performance expectancy was identified as the main factor influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in Public Universities in Kenya. Performance expectancy is the extent to which an individual believes that using the tools will help him/her expand (or gain) knowledge during elearning. These tools are perceived by both students as lecturers as aiding in expanding knowledge. Other factors included social influence, facilitating conditions and effort expectancy. The adoption of these tools for e-learning will largely depend on facilitating conditions, that is, Universities providing for their use by integrating them in teaching and learning.