The Critical Success Factors of e-Learning in Developing Countries

Abstract

     Information technology (IT) plays an important role in modern education. Many schools or universities have deployed electronic learning in order to gain competitive advantages. While the market for e-Learning has shown a high growth rate, many schools have failed to adopt e-Learning. This research focused on seven areas related to e-Learning—namely, learners, instructors, environment, institution and service quality, infrastructure and system quality, course and information quality, and motivation dimensions. Based on these seven dimensions, 41 factors were quantitatively analyzed to prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) of e-Learning in developing countries using Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approaches. The results indicated that 22 factors affected the success of e-Learning in developing countries. The top ten factors were: computer training, perceived usefulness, learners' attitude toward e-Learning, learners' computer selfefficacy, course quality, program flexibility, clear direction, relevant content, course flexibility, and internet self-efficacy.