E-Learning Adoption in Rural-Based Higher Education Institutions in South Africa

In South African tertiary institutions, adoption rate for e-learning, is higher in urban-based higher education institutions and lower in rural-based higher education institutions. Even though with the supposed capacity that e-learning provides, the bigger part of the e-learning approach in rural-based higher education institutions do not achieve their potential. This study focuses on identifying the perception and usage of e-learning which impact the adoption at rural based, higher education institutions. A conceptual framework was proposed using the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance Model) to identify the usage, perception and location challenges of e-learning. This study uses case-University of Venda towards a quantitative approach for data collection and analysis. The results indicated that students have a positive perception towards technology, however the main factor which influences e-learning adoption is the lack of institutional support from management and educators which is one of the underlying issues of e-learning adoption in rural-based HEIs.