E-Learning Engagement and Effectiveness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Interaction Model

Abstract

COVID-19 has disrupted the education environment. But, little is known on how e-learning engagement impacts learning effectiveness and satisfaction with the interaction of computer self-efficacy in the study from home context. We examine how students’ expectations to adopt e-learning contribute to e-engagement that influences e-learning effectiveness and satisfaction and explore the moderating role of computer self-efficacy between e-learning engagement and effectiveness using structural equation modelling. Results from the 212 usable data reveal that e-learning expectations to adopt e-learning contribute positively to e-learning engagement, which is fundamental for effective learning that leads to learning satisfaction. Computer self-efficacy appears to have a significant positive effect on e-learning effectiveness, but no evidence on e-learning engagement. Computer self-efficacy moderates the relationship between e-learning engagement and perceived e-learning effectiveness in the study from home context during the pandemic. The findings have important managerial implications for administrators in the universities. Students are adjusting and facing a steep learning curve as they work through the mechanics of e-learning in the new normal COVID-19 environment. They learn to interact with peers and lecturers via electronic means, digest and absorb complicated content and concepts through unfamiliar e-learning platforms in home spaces. Limitations and future research are discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Monash University Malaysia Learning and Teaching Research Grants [EE/LTG_03/2019/01] and Murata Grant [22MP10].

Notes on contributors

Wai Ching Poon

Wai Ching Poon is a senior Associate Professor at the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. Her areas of research spread across consumer and business economics. She serves as Editor, Editorial Board, and Editorial Review Board for a few journals.

Vimala Kunchamboo

Vimala Kunchamboo is a Senior Lecturer in the Marketing Department, Nottingham Trent University. Her research interest includes consumer behaviour and marketing, specifically in areas related to sustainable consumption and self-identity.

Kian Yeik Koay

Kian Yeik Koay is Senior Lecturer at the Sunway University Business School, Sunway University. He published actively in reputable journals. He is currently serving as a guest editor for a special issue on social media influencer marketing for the Journal of Internet Commerce.