Attitude of Agriculture Students Towards E-Learning: Factors, Perceived Prospects and Adoption

Authors

  • Holy Mercy Divina Matla PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Kerala Agricultural University. Thiruvananthapur am, Kerala – 695522
  • Ashutosh Jena PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Kerala Agricultural University. Thiruvananthapur am, Kerala – 695522
  • Smitha K P Assistant Professor (Agricultural Extension), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thrissur, Kerala -680656
  • Allan Thomas Professor and Head Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Kerala Agricultural University. Thiruvanan thapuram, Kerala – 695522

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/jes.2025.41.2.2

Keywords:

E-learning, Learning behaviour, Digital education, Online learning

Abstract

In the era of digital transformation, e-learning has become integral to higher  education, yet its effective adoption among agricultural students remains  underexplored. This study aims to assess the attitude of undergraduate students  towards e-learning, identify the influencing socio-economic factors, and analyse the  extent of adoption of e-learning platforms at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani,  Kerala Agricultural University. A total of 120 final-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture  students were surveyed using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Data  were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and chi-square tests. Results  revealed that 67.5 percent of students exhibit a medium level of attitude towards  e-learning, while 15 percent had a high attitude. Significant positive correlations  were observed between attitude and factors such as father’s education (r=0.861*),  computer availability at home (r=893**), computer availability at college (r=0.962**),  and internet use purpose (r=0.904**). In terms of adoption, higher proportions of  students reported high relative advantage (26.67%) and compatibility (55.84%), while  lower demonstrability (26.67%) and visibility 940%) indicated usability challenges.  Gender differences were statistically insignificant (χ² = 0.708, p = 0.702; Cramér’s  V = 0.077), though girls showed a slightly higher mean attitude (Cohen’s d = –0.4).  the findings highlight that while students are technologically ready and moderately  positive towards e-learning, challenges remain in enhancing use-friendliness,  accessibility, and demonstrability. The study underscores future research related to  the importance of strengthening institutional support and user-oriented design to  foster inclusive and effective digital leaning in agricultural education. 

 

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Published

2025-12-24

How to Cite

Matla, H. M. D., Jena, A., K P, S., & Thomas, A. (2025). Attitude of Agriculture Students Towards E-Learning: Factors, Perceived Prospects and Adoption. Journal of Extension Systems, 41(2), 5-15. https://doi.org/10.48165/jes.2025.41.2.2