Factors Affecting the Acceptance of E-learning By Students: A Study of E-learning Programs in Gwalior, India

Technological advancements have touched and transformed all walks of life and almost every aspect of human working. Education is one of the area which is highly influenced with its dynamism. Technology has created an ecosystem wherein education can be imparted through E-modes. This electronic learning ecosystem is diversified which is catering to the needs of individuals in multiple ways. This has certainly created various educational center across the globe, evidently interconnected, responsive and continuously enriching every moment. The primary purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the perception of the students towards E-Learning and its acceptability. Primary data from 140 students of under graduation, postgraduation, and the students preparing for a competitive examination was collected using the non-probability purposive sampling method. The study has employed principle components analysis for identification of key factors that influence student’s perception. The results showed that acceptance of E-learning is governed by four critical dimensions, which are, E-learner Competency, External Influence, System Interactivity, and Social Influence. One-way ANOVA has helped in identifying the opinion differences among different categories. The opinion difference among male and female reponsdent have been compared and found that males are more enthusiastic to accept E-learning. In case of educational qualification categories it was found that PG students are more enthusiastic to accept Elearning as compared to other two categories. The composite score of E-learning in Gwalior was calculated as 3.89 which was found near to threshold value of agreeableness. The study has implication for Government/private organizations, educational institutes as they can incorporate the findings work towards building a holistic E-learning environment which would imbibe novelty, innovation, and technology.