Using cloud-based virtual learning environments to mitigate increasing disparity in urban-rural academic competence

Sarah Safdar, Minglun Ren, Muhammad Adnan Zahid Chudhery, Jiazhen Huo, Hakeem-Ur Rehman and Raza Rafique

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2022, vol. 176, issue C

Abstract: The unequal distribution of educational opportunities between urban and rural areas is still a significant challenge in China. As a result, students from urban areas can benefit from highly qualified teachers and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities in contrast with their rural counterparts. Consequently, students from urban areas are more likely to join higher education institutes in comparison with their rural counterparts. In such a scenario, a cloud-based virtual learning environment (C-VLE) is of great importance to provide quality education in rural areas. This study aims to predict C-VLE usage's impact on academic performance and gender differences in rural China. The respondents belonged to rural areas and experienced varying levels of such difficulties. This study extended the task-technology fit theory with the channel expansion theory. The study revealed that task-technology fit, individual-technology fit, perceived media richness, omnipresence, and interactivity positively influence C-VLE usage that leads elevating academic performance. As a result, the students from rural areas have a better competitive position than their urban counterparts. Surprisingly, gender did not play any moderating role. The study provides significant theoretical and practical implications for scholars, educational authorities, and policymakers.

Keywords: Virtual learning environment; Cloud computing; Task-technology fit; Channel expansion theory; Performance impact; Pedagogy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:176:y:2022:i:c:s0040162521009033

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121468

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