Students experiences and motivational factors on using e-learning systems in higher education institutions in Tanzania

Using the e-learning system in teaching and learning is becoming normal in Tanzania's higher education. Higher education institutions (HEIs) strive to provide an appropriate environment for instructors and students to utilise the e-learning system effectively. This study explored the students' utilisation of the e-learning system and the motivational factors that influenced the utilisation. The study surveyed demographic differences in students' e-learning system utilisation among 730 undergraduate students who were randomly sampled from three campuses at a HEI in Tanzania. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA. The findings show that students were significantly motivated by an e-learning-supportive environment, lecturers' influences, and personal interests. Similarly, the e-learning system is highly utilised for uploading and downloading documents, but online learning activities could be more utilised. E-learning system utilisation was found to be average, and further measures should be taken to enhance the use of the e-learning system. Furthermore, the study found no significant difference in gender, though it was contrary to students in different years of study. With study years influencing the e-learning system utilisation, the study recommends intensive training on the use of the e-learning system in students' early years.