Instructors' Acceptance of Learning Management Systems: A Theoretical Framework

In the knowledge age, the use of the information technology (IT) tools including learning management systems (LMS) has became an imperative. The adoption rate of LMS in academic and training institutions is very promising worldwide. Learning Management system includes several tools that provide academic and training institutions efficient and effective means to support distance education and supplement their traditional way of teaching. LMS also provide academic insinuations mechanisms and tools to store, manage, and share its academic resources and knowledge. Instructors' acceptance is essential for the deployment of LMS. The success of LMS in any institution starts by instructors' acceptance, which in turns initiates and promotes learners' utilization of LMS. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework for evaluating instructors' acceptance of LMS based on the Technology Acceptance Model. This framework provides a comprehensive look of the critical factors that influence the instructors' perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of LMS and consequently the actual use. These critical factors are related to the instructor, organization, and technology. Instructor factors include self efficacy, attitude toward LMS, experience, teaching style and personal innovativeness. Organization factors include motivators, technology alignment, organization support, technical support and training. Technology factors include system quality, information quality and service quality.