Understanding the Determinants of Infrastructure-as-a Service-Based E-Learning Adoption Using an Integrated TOE-DOI Model: A Nigerian Perspective

Abstract

Cloud computing is a state-of-the-art paradigm that gives enormous advantages to Higher Education Institutions in developing countries to improve their education. In this regard, Cloud computing can change the way wherein access to and utilization of learning content by Higher Education Institutions in developing countries, in particular Nigeria, can be effectively accessed in a pay-per-use method. Consequently, lessening the expense of actualizing an independent e-learning system. While it has been extensively embraced for e-learning in first world nations, its adoption in Nigeria is exceptionally low. There is as well lack of empirical studies which investigate the factor that influence its adoption from the viewpoint of the Information and Communication Technology directorates in the Nigerian HEIs. Therefore, this study sought to explore the factors that influence the adoption of cloud computing for e-learning by amalgamating the Diffusion of Innovation as well as the Technological, Organizational, Environmental theory. A disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used. The data were collected using a quantitative research design from 454 ICT-directorates managers in Nigerian universities. The response was assessed using SPSS and SmartPLS. The findings suggested that relative advantage, cost savings, competitive pressure, and service provider support should be considered by decision-makers in the Nigerian universities to promote the easy diffusion and adoption of the cloud services for e-learning.