Bridging the Digital Divide: Building Sustainable E-Learning Systems for University-Level Education in Developing Countries like Bangladesh in a Post-Pandemic Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of e-learning systems in developing countries with a specific focus on the Perceived Usefulness, User Satisfaction, and System Usage. This study employed a quantitative technique to collect data from students enrolled in several educational institutions in Bangladesh. The dataset, consisting of 254 observations, was analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) - based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study unveils that e-learning System Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Perceived User Satisfaction have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of the e-learning system in Covid-19 pandemic. This research significantly advances academia by filling gaps in understanding post-pandemic e-learning effectiveness in developing countries. From a managerial perspective, it helps focus on implementing strategic interventions, making investments, and adopting user-centric techniques. Overall, it promotes policies that enhance digital inclusion and quality education, which is in line with SDG 4 (Quality Education). This study integrates the Delone and Mclean (D&M) model with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in order to assess the efficacy of the e-learning system during the covid-19 pandemic. It is worth noting that no prior studies have employed SEM utilizing PLS to assess the effectiveness of e-learning systems in the context of a developing nation like Bangladesh, making this study a pioneering contribution to the field of higher education.