Exploring Cloud-Based e-Learning Adoption in Developing Nations: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37385/n8nrjb27Keywords:
Cloud-based e-learning, technology adoption frameworks, educational technology, higher education, developing countriesAbstract
Digital transformation in the form of Cloud-based e-learning (CBEL) in higher education has enabled anytime, anywhere learning environments. The literature on the adoption models for CBEL from developing nation’s perspectives is scarce. A current study presents a systematic literature review of CBEL adoption in developing nations. The PRISMA framework was used for the study. It articulates 27 different articles published during 2019-2025. The articles were chosen from Scopus and WoS databases. The review presents user intention to adopt to CBEL as high, but actual adoption depends on a number of contextual factors such as infrastructure, connectivity, training, support, security and policy. The review further reveals a strong reliance on user-level models such as TAM and UTAUT, with limited integration of organizational perspectives and reliance on perceptual measures over actual outcomes. Consequently, this study proposes an integrated framework combining technological readiness, organizational support, user acceptance, and adoption outcomes. Theoretically, CBEL adoption in developing countries cannot be explained only through user acceptance factors but also by organizational and infrastructural conditions. From a practical perspective, HEIs administrators and policymakers should view CBEL as a sociotechnical system, not only a digital tool. Future research should focus on longitudinal empirical validation of the proposed framework.
Downloads
References
Abdekhoda, M., Dehnad, A., & Zarei, J. (2022). Factors influencing adoption of e-learning in healthcare: integration of UTAUT and TTF model. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12911-022-02060-9
Agarwal, R., & Karahanna, E. (2000). Time flies when you’re having fun: Cognitive absorption and beliefs about information technology usage. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, 24(4), 665–694. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250951
Aini, Q., Budiarto, M., Putra, P. O. H., & Rahardja, U. (2020). Exploring E-learning Challenges During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review. Jurnal Sistem Informasi, 16(2), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.21609/jsi.v16i2.1011
Al Ghawail, E. A., Ben Yahia, S., & Alrshah, M. A. (2019). Challenges of Applying e-learning in the Libyan Higher Education system. International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and Engineering, 8(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.30534/ijatcse/2019/0681.42019
Alajlan, N., Hadwan, M., & Ibrahim, D. M. (2020). Effectiveness of Adopting Cloud-Based E-Learning at Qassim University. The Computer Journal, 65(5), 1098–1106. https://doi.org/10.1093/COMJNL/BXAA146
AlAjmi, Q. (2023). Adoption Model for Cloud-Based E-Learning in Higher Education. The International Conference of Advanced Computing and Informatics, 179, 574–584. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36258-3_51
Al-Hajri, S., Echchabi, A., Ayedh, A. M., Mispah, M., & Omar, S. (2021). The Cloud Computing Systems’ Adoption in the Higher Education Sector in Oman in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 10(3), 930–937. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v10i3.21671
Al-Sharafi, M. A., AlAjmi, Q., Al-Emran, M., Qasem, Y. A., & Aldheleai, Y. M. (2021). Cloud Computing Adoption in Higher Education: An Integrated Theoretical Model. In Recent advances in technology acceptance models and theories (Vol. 335, pp. 191–209). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64987-6_12
Armah, E. D., & Ali, I. S. (2024). A Comprehensive Analysis of Faculty Adoption of Cloud Computing E-Learning in Ghanaian Technical Universities. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 14(5), 65–87. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v14i5.47841
Assalaarachchi, L., I, A. L., & P K H, S. K. (2023). Adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Applications in E-learning: Perception of the Management Undergraduates in a Selected State University of Sri Lanka. Journal of Business Research and Insights (Former Vidyodaya Journal of Management), 9(II), 57–77. https://doi.org/10.31357/VJM.V9III.6588
Aydin, H. (2021). A Study of Cloud Computing Adoption in Universities as a Guideline to Cloud Migration. SAGE Open, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211030280
Barikzai, S., Bharathi S, V., & Perdana, A. (2025). Digital learning initiatives forging inclusive education in post-conflict nations. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2457904
Bhardwaj, A. K., Garg, L., Garg, A., & Gajpal, Y. (2021). E-Learning during COVID-19 Outbreak: Cloud Computing Adoption in Indian Public Universities. Computers, Materials and Continua, 66(3), 2471–2492. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2021.014099
Cheng, Y. M. (2019). How does task-technology fit influence cloud-based e-learning continuance and impact? Education and Training, 61(4), 480–499. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-09-2018-0203
Cheng, Y. M. (2020). Students’ satisfaction and continuance intention of the cloud-based e-learning system: roles of interactivity and course quality factors. Education and Training, 62(9), 1037–1059. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-10-2019-0245
Dima, A., Bugheanu, A. M., Boghian, R., & Madsen, D. Ø. (2023). Mapping Knowledge Area Analysis in E-Learning Systems Based on Cloud Computing. Electronics (Switzerland), 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12010062
El Mhouti, A., Erradi, M., & Nasseh, A. (2018). Using cloud computing services in e-learning process: Benefits and challenges. Education and Information Technologies, 23(2), 893–909. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9642-x
Eljak, H., Ibrahim, A. O., Saeed, F., Hashem, I. A. T., Abdelmaboud, A., Syed, H. J., Abulfaraj, A. W., Ismail, M. A. Bin, & Elsafi, A. (2024). E-Learning-Based Cloud Computing Environment: A Systematic Review, Challenges, and Opportunities. IEEE Access, 12, 7329–7355. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3339250
Elmasry, M. A., & Ibrahim, M. H. (2021). Cloud computing for e-learning: A proposed model for higher education institutions in developing countries. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 10(4), 408–416.
Eze, S. C., Chinedu-Eze, V. C. A., Okike, C. K., & Bello, A. O. (2020). Factors influencing the use of e-learning facilities by students in a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) in a developing economy. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-020-00624-6
Farah Ali, A., Haji Abdullah, R., Abi Hassan, A., Osman Abdullahi, H., & Mohamud Mohamed, M. (2024). COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on E-Learning Adoption and Its Utilization at Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Institutions and Students’ Perspectives. Ingénierie Des Systèmes d’Information, 29(2), 447–457. https://doi.org/10.18280/isi.290206
Feng, J., Yu, B., Tan, W. H., Dai, Z., & Li, Z. (2025). Key factors influencing educational technology adoption in higher education: A systematic review. PLOS Digital Health, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PDIG.0000764
Gupta, N., Sharma, N., & Sood, S. (2022). Empirical Analysis on Parameters for Adoption of Cloud-Based e-learning in Indian Higher Education System: A User’s Perspective. In A. Joshi, M. Mahmud, R. G. Ragel, & N. V. Thakur (Eds.), Information and Communication Technology for Competitive Strategies (ICTCS 2020) (Vol. 191, pp. 977–991). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0739-4_91
Hashim, H. S., Salah, A. A., & Al-Sulami, Z. A. (2022). Hinders of Cloud Computing Usage in Higher Education in Iraq: A Model Development. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (IJEEI), 10(3), 707–714. https://doi.org/10.52549/IJEEI.V10I3.3908
Hussein, L. A., & Hilmi, M. F. (2020). Cloud Computing Based E-learning in Malaysian universities. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(8), 4–21. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJET.V15I08.11798
Kayali, M., & Alaaraj, S. (2020). Adoption of Cloud Based E-learning in Developing Countries: A Combination of DOI, TAM and UTAUT. International Journal of Contemporary Management and Information Technology, 1(1), 1–7. www.ijcmit.com
Khan, B. H. (2005). Managing e-learning: Design, delivery, implementation, and evaluation. IGI Global.
Khan, M. A., & Salah, K. (2020). Cloud adoption for e-learning: Survey and future challenges. Education and Information Technologies, 25(2), 1417–1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10021-5
Kumar, J. A., Bervell, B., & Osman, S. (2020). Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students’ and instructors’ experiences. IJCSNS, 25(5), 4175–4195. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10639-020-10163-X
Kumar, R. (2023). Usage of Cloud Computing Application by Students from Kurukshetra University: the Current State and Perspectives. JIOS, 47(1), 189–201. https://doi.org/10.31341/jios.47.1.11
Larcher, L., Ströele, V., & Dantas, M. (2021). A cloud-based system for distance learning supported by Fog-Cloud cooperation. International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, 12(5–6), 618–634. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGUC.2021.120114
Lopes, C., Bernardes, Ó., Gonçalves, M. J. A., Terra, A. L., da Silva, M. M., Tavares, C., & Valente, I. (2022). E-Learning Enhancement through Multidisciplinary Teams in Higher Education: Students, Teachers, and Librarians. Education Sciences, 12(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12090601
Maisha, K., & Shetu, S. N. (2023). Influencing factors of e-learning adoption amongst students in a developing country: the post-pandemic scenario in Bangladesh. Future Business Journal, 9(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/S43093-023-00214-3
Malkawi, A. R., Bakar, M. S. A., & Dahlin, Z. M. (2024). Cloud-Based Virtual Learning Environment Model: A Delphi Study. Law, State and Telecommunications Review, 16(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.26512/lstr.v16i1.47890
Matthew, U., Kazaure, J., Cloud, N. O.-E. E. Trans., & 2021, undefined. (2021). Contemporary development in E-Learning education, cloud computing technology & internet of things. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Cloud Systems, 7(20). https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.31-3-2021.169173
Muhisn, Z. A. A., Hamid, S. A., Noori, A. S., & Muhisn, S. A. (2023). Cloud Computing Services in Higher Education in Iraqi Universities. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 11(6s), 669–673. https://www.ijisae.org/index.php/IJISAE/article/view/2902
Njenga, K., Garg, L., Bhardwaj, A. K., Prakash, V., & Bawa, S. (2019). The cloud computing adoption in higher learning institutions in Kenya: Hindering factors and recommendations for the way forward. Telematics and Informatics, 38, 225–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2018.10.007
Page, M. J., Joanne, E. M., Isabelle, B., Tammy, C. H., Cynthia, D. M., & Larissa, S. et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Bmj, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01670-0
Pokhrel, S., & Chhetri, R. (2021). A Literature Review on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning. Higher Education for the Future, 8(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631120983481
Qasem, Y., Abdullah, R., Yaha, Y., Sciences, R. A.-A., & 2020, undefined. (2020). Continuance use of cloud computing in higher education institutions: A conceptual model. Applied Sciences, 10(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/app10196628
Rehaimi, A., Sadqi, Y., Maleh, Y., Gaba, G. S., & Gurtov, A. (2024). Towards a federated and hybrid cloud computing environment for sustainable and effective provisioning of cyber security virtual laboratories. Expert Systems with Applications, 252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124267
Shahzad, F., Xiu, G. Y., Khan, I., Shahbaz, M., Riaz, M. U., & Abbas, A. (2020). The moderating role of intrinsic motivation in cloud computing adoption in online education in a developing country: a structural equation model. Asia Pacific Education Review, 21(1), 121–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-019-09611-2
Shakor, M. Y., & Surameery, N. M. S. (2021). Cloud Computing Technologies Adoption in Higher Education Institutes During COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study. Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(2), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.24271/PSR.31
Sharma, M., Vadalkar, S., Singh, A., Chavan, G., & Tsagarakis, K. P. (2025). How Does Cloud Computing Adoption Accelerate Education?-Enhancing Academic Results by Integrating Knowledge Management Pre and Post Pandemic. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2024.2440673
Sood, S. K., & Rawat, K. S. (2022). Fog-assisted virtual reality-based learning framework to control panic. Expert Systems, 39(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/exsy.12700
Srimadhaven, T., Chris Junni, A. V., Harshith, N., Jessenth Ebenezer, S., Shabari Girish, S., & Priyaadharshini, M. (2020). Learning analytics: Virtual reality for programming course in higher education. In J. K. R., J. L., & N. S.V. (Eds.), Procedia Computer Science (Vol. 172, pp. 433–437). Elsevier B.V. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2020.05.095
Sugandini, D., Istanto, Y., Arundati, R., & Adisti, T. (2022). Intention to Adopt E-Learning with Anxiety: UTAUT Model. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research, 11, 198–212.
Thongsri, N., Shen, L., & Bao, Y. (2019). Investigating factors affecting learner’s perception toward online learning: evidence from ClassStart application in Thailand. Behaviour and Information Technology, Taylor & Francis, 38(12), 1243–1258. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2019.1581259
Wang, T., Dai, T., Yang, L., Osmanova, L., & Hwarari, D. (2026). Digital innovation in higher education: comparing approaches in developed and developing countries. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1723087. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1723087
Wu, W., & Plakhtii, A. (2021). E-Learning Based on Cloud Computing. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 16(10), 4–17. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i10.18579




CITEDNESS IN SCOPUS
CITEDNESS IN WOS




