Strategies for Enhancing Acceptance of New Technologies by Open, Distance, and eLearning Centers in Kenya

Abstract

Introducing a new technology can be very exciting especially to the technology creators. However, as espoused by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), while the creator of a given technology may believe that the new technology is very user-friendly, it may only be accepted by its potential users if they share the same beliefs. The study sought to establish strategies that Open, Distance, and eLearning Centers pursue to enhance acceptance of new technologies by online learners. This study is mainly anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which is widely used to explain the factors related to users’ acceptance of new technologies. A cross-sectional survey of seventy-three (73) universities in Kenya was undertaken with the in-charge Open, Distance, and electronic Learning (ODel) Centers as the respondents. Fifty-nine (59) respondents completed a survey tool, which was shared as a Google form. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Continuous evaluation and improvement of ODeL technologies was the most common strategy perceived to enhance new technology acceptance at 85%. The study recommends a need to develop and operationalise a new technology acceptance and adoption policy as a key strategy to enhance the acceptance of new ODeL technologies.