Adoption of e-learning technology in China's higher education: insights from teachers' perspectives

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.28.2.43514

Keywords:

e-learning, higher education institutions, UTAUT, TAM, China

Abstract

The higher education system has been subject to great change in the post-COVID-19 era globally. Developments in science and technology, especially in the field of information, communication and technology (ICT) have a massive influence on the higher education system. Technology in education has garnered importance and research on e-learning has become necessary to explore this new cutting edge of education. This study examines the factors affecting the adoption of e-learning within the higher education system of China. The study applied the structured survey approach to collect data from 280 faculty members of various public institutions to assess how these factors impact the integration of e-learning technologies in China. Public institute teachers are considered as they have high financial distress, anxiety and depression compared to private teachers leading to a lack of online facilities, compatibility issues and self-efficacy. The study findings revealed that a lack of ICT infrastructure and technical support, combined with a lack of e-learning knowledge among educators, are significant barriers to the effective implementation of e-learning in the higher education system of China. Social influence, perceived usefulness and ease of use also play crucial roles in shaping intent towards e-learning adoption. This study provides insights for policymakers and educational administrators seeking to enhance e-learning environments and overcome the challenges faced in the higher education sector in China.

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Author Biographies

Chongya Ma, Jilin Normal University, JLNU (China)

Associate Professor and Advisor of Master Program at the College of Geographical Science and Tourism, Jilin Normal University, China. Her research interests include but not limited to higher education, resource conservation & development, She has participated in 12 provincial and national-level research projects.

Farrukh Ijaz, Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company, PMDFC (Pakistan)

Finance professional with over a decade of experience in financial management, research, and administration. He has worked on municipal finance projects involving budgeting, revenue enhancement, and financial data analysis. Holding MS in Finance, he has contributed to various academic publications and worked extensively in finance projects.

Muhammad Fareed, School of Business, VIZJA University in Warsaw (Poland)

Adjunct Professor at the School of Business – University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw (Poland). He has obtained his PhD and Master degrees from Universiti Utara Malaysia (AACSB accredited) where he served 6 years as Assistant Professor.

Hood Laeeq, University of Management and Technology, UMT (Pakistan)

Senior Research Associate in the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization at the University of Management and Technology for the past eight years. With extensive experience in research compliance, he has successfully contributed to the numerous funded research projects.

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Published

2025-04-11

How to Cite

Ma, C., Ijaz, F., Fareed, M., & Laeeq, H. (2025). Adoption of e-learning technology in China’s higher education: insights from teachers’ perspectives. RIED-Revista Iberoamericana de Educación a Distancia, 28(2), 325–352. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.28.2.43514

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