In 2009, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) launched E-Learn@USM,
an electronic system for delivering and sharing learning materials as
well as engaging lecturers and students in online discussions. Rather
than replacing the traditional face-to-face classroom method, the role of
E-Learn@USM is to foster student-centred learning, which is lauded
for its effectiveness in the educational setting. The current study aims
to examine factors contributing to the adoption of E-Learn@USM
among USM students. The factors are categorised into individual
factors (personal innovativeness, self-efficacy and attitude),
organisational factors (university, administrator and instructor
supports), and technological factors (relative advantage, compatibility,
complexity, trialability and observability). These factors were selected
based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and on previous studies
on adoption within the innovation-diffusion framework. Using
multistage cluster sampling, a survey was conducted on a total of 495
students sampled from a large population of undergraduate students at
USM. The results of the hypothesis testing revealed significant
relationships between all factors (except for complexity) and the
adoption of E-Learn@USM. Five significant predictors – attitude,
university support, trialability, relative advantage and self-efficacy –
were identified
