Factors impacting online learning usage during Covid-19 pandemic among sophomores in Sichuan Private Universities

Abstract

This study aims to examine factors impacting online learning usage among students in Sichuan private universities, China. The variables used to construct the conceptual framework are perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, information quality, system quality, service quality, attitude towards using, satisfaction, behavioral intention and actual use. Research design, data and methodology: The quantitative approach (n=500) was conducted via online questionnaire, using judgmental sampling, quota sampling and convenience sampling. Before processing the data collection, content validity was reserved by index of item objective congruence (IOC). Pilot study of 40 samples was approved by Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test. Afterwards, the data was analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results revealed that satisfaction had the strongest significant impact on behavioral intention, followed by perceived usefulness on attitude toward using, service quality on behavioral intention, behavioral intention on actual use, information quality on behavioral intention, perceived ease of use on attitude toward using and attitude toward using on behavioral intention. On the other hand, the relationship between system quality and behavioral intention was not significant. Conclusions: Academic practitioners were recommended to encourage online learning usage among students by developing better online learning system, technical support service and learning experience which led to successful adoption and learning effectiveness of students in higher education.