Exploring the Factors of Using Cloud Service in Malaysia Higher Education Institutions During Covid-19 Pandemic Outbreak

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed higher education, with cloud educational services gaining particular significance during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study examines the factors that influence students’ intention to use cloud services as part of their learning processes in Malaysian higher education institutions. To understand these factors, this study integrates constructs from two models: the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The Technology Acceptance Model provides insights into perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, while the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, offers insights into social influence. A quantitative survey design was employed to gather responses from 385 students from various public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia. The findings indicate that social influence, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness positively influence students' intention to adopt cloud learning services. Furthermore, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were found to mediate the relationship between social influence and cloud service adoption. The results suggest that educational institutions can enhance cloud service adoption by addressing these factors. The findings of the study highlight the need for integrating cloud services into educational practices to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital learning. Future research could include longitudinal studies, focusing on other stakeholders such as educators and policymakers, exploring postadoption outcomes to analyse the long-term impact of cloud services in educational settings.