Changes in Online Distance Learning Behaviour of University Students during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak, and development of the Model of Forced Distance Online Learning Preferences

• Main Authors: Mateja Ploj Virtič*, Kosta Dolenc, Andrej Šorgo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: RU Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: European Journal of Educational Research
• Subjects: higher education; online distance learning; continuance preferences; covid-19; outbreak.
• Online Access: https://eu-jer.com/EU-JER_10_1_393.pdf

Because of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, most universities were forced to choose Online Distance Learning (ODL). The study aimed to examine the response of university students to the new situation. A questionnaire was sent to the entire university student population. Based on responses from 606 students, it was revealed that use of all applications in ODL increased. However, only the use of MS Teams increased significantly, while the use of the other applications (email, Moodle, e-textbooks) increased in a range of low to medium in terms of effect sizes, and even nonsignificant for applications such as Padlet and Kahoot. Based on the replies of 414 respondents, a Model of Forced Distance Online Learning Preferences (MoFDOLP) based on Structural Equation Modeling was developed. With a chosen combination of predictors, we succeeded in predicting 95% of variance for Satisfaction, more than 50% for Continuance Preferences variance in MS Teams applications, and nearly 20% in the case of e-materials. Among hypothesized constructs, only Attitudes are a strong predictor of Satisfaction, while Organizational Support, Perceived Ease of Use and Learner Attitude toward Online Learning are not. Satisfaction is a good predictor of Continuance Preferences to use Information Technology after the lockdown ended.