The use of a virtual learning centre in the context of a university lecture: factors influencing satisfaction and performance

Abstract

We provided a virtual learning tool to undergraduate psychology students (n = 72) and investigated how different variables influence the learning outcome in terms of performance in an exam and satisfaction with the e-learning tool. These variables were: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards computers, attitude towards the learning subject and experiences of flow. The findings indicate that the attitudes towards computers and towards the learning subject as well as the perceived usefulness of the e-learning tool are predictors for learning success. These three variables influenced the outcome variables directly as well as indirectly via flow experiences and perceived ease of use. Thus, flow plays a crucial role and strongly influences satisfaction as well as performance. The results and their implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• e-learning
• satisfaction
• effectiveness
• flow theory
• usability
• attitude

Acknowledgement

This project was supported by a Hans-Sigrist Fellowship grant from the University of Bern.