Using the UTAUT, personal innovativeness and perceived financial cost to examine student’s intention to use E-learning

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors affecting behavioural intention to use E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study applies the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) to identify the factors that predict intention to use E-learning. Also, the study examines the effect of personal innovativeness in information technology and perceived financial cost on intention to use E-learning. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative study design involving 617 university students. The data was collected through an online survey due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The proposed hypotheses were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The study found that personal innovativeness in information technology, perceived financial cost, performance expectancy, hedonic motivation and social influence have a significant effect on the intention to use E-learning. Contrary to expectation, habits, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions did not predict intention to use E-learning. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted on university students and did not include other school-going students and working professionals. Also, the study sample was not drawn from many universities. The study used a quantitative approach. The use of a mixed-methods approach could provide deeper insights into the factors affecting the intention to use E-learning in developing countries. Practical implications The practical implications inform policymakers and educational institutions on how E-learning adoption can be enhanced. In this context, social influence, performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, personal innovativeness and perceived financial cost are identified as predictors of intention to use E-learning. This study has implications for the development of E-learning systems and the promotion of the use of E-learning in the context of developing countries. Originality/value The study is amongst the few studies from a developing economy to use the UTAUT2 model to examine students’ intention to use E-learning. The study proposes the inclusion of personal innovativeness in information technology and perceived financial cost as factors predicting intention to use E-learning. Again, the study adopts importance-performance matrix analysis to provide decisional areas where management may improve for successful E-learning acceptance and use.