Sense of belonging and grit in e-learning portal usage in higher education

ABSTRACT

E-learning has the potential to attract learners into the learning environment with its abundance benefits. However, learners tend to discontinue the use of e-learning as they lose intention if they are not satisfied. In regard to this, this study explored the sense of belonging and grit in the e-learning portal environment. A total of 441 postgraduate learners responded via an online survey. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via Smart PLS was used to analyse the data collected. The findings of this study indicated that sense of belonging has a positive significant impact on usage. This study also found that usage positively impacts performance. However, grit does not moderate the relationship between attitude and usage. This study integrated TPB theory together with new non-cognitive variables to explain usage and performance.

KEYWORDS:

• E-learning
• sense of belonging
• usage
• grit
• learners

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

A. Devisakti

A. Devisakti obtained her Ph.D. in Technology Management from the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her research interests focus on digital learning, e-learning, open distance learning, adult learners, higher educations and also quantitative and qualitative methods. Currently she serves at the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia as an academic fellow. She also reviewed papers for indexed, Scopus and ISI journals.

T. Ramayah

T. Ramayah is currently a Professor of Technology Management at the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Visiting Professor, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Adjunct Professor at Sunway University, Multimedia University and Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia. His articles have been published in international journals such as Computers in Human Behaviour, Technovation, Information & Management, Electronic Markets, Journal of Business Economics and Management, and Information Systems Management. He also serves on the editorial boards and programme committees of several international journals and conferences of repute. His areas of interests include Technology Management and also the use of quantitative methods in the management research.