Open AccessSTUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON ONLINE LEARNING
Author(s) -
Chek Kim Loi,
YOKE LIAN LAU,
Chiow Thai Soon,
Chen Jung Ku
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of education, psychology and counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0128-164X
DOI - 10.35631/ijepc.745019
Subject(s) - respondent , preference , the internet , psychology , technology acceptance model , perception , online learning , medical education , mathematics education , computer science , multimedia , world wide web , usability , medicine , political science , human–computer interaction , neuroscience , law , economics , microeconomics
The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ views of online learning based on a theoretical framework known as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). It is mainly qualitative in nature alongside some quantitative data. It examines students’ preference for their choice of learning mode for the post-COVID-19 period or when they are in a position to return to the campus when the pandemic situation improves. They are also asked to provide reasons for their preference. The research data was collected at a local university in Malaysia through an interview with 41 respondents. The results of the research show that the majority of the student respondents prefer to have hybrid learning that offers a combination of online and face-to-face sessions followed by fully face-to-face learning mode. No respondent has opted for fully online learning as their preferred choice of learning mode in the near future. In general, the respondents perceive that online learning is creative, innovative, convenient, time-saving and eco-friendly. However, as emerged in the data, in relation to online learning, students have two major concerns, namely additional cost incurred for the high usage of the Internet data and poor/no Internet connection at rural areas. The findings further reveal that institutional support, technology accessibility and COVID-19 concern are the three external factors that have influenced the respondents’ attitude and intention in using online learning in the near future. Higher institutions thus can play an important role in enhancing students’ online learning by upgrading the existing learning management system and the campus Internet connectivity.