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

Abstract

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, etextbooks) 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 ematerials. 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.

The difference in views of educators and students on Forced Online Distance Education can lead to unintentional side effects

“…The open-ended questions examined in the recent study were part of larger inventories to examine the use of and attitudes towards online learning environments among educators and students (Ploj Virtič et al, 2021). The two open-ended questions were included in both survey instruments:…”

Using virtual reality learning environments to motivate and socialize undergraduates in distance learning

“…However, the gender factor among students in distance education is rarely discussed (Tang et al, 2021). It may also be critical which devices students choose when connecting to distance learning environments because the different features of devices such as mobile, desktop, or notebook may affect the engagement and satisfaction of students (Mockus et al, 2011;Ploj Virtic et al, 2021). For example, in a recent study conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic (Göksu et al, 2021), the attendance and distance learning motivation of those who prefer computers in distance education courses are higher than those who prefer smartphones.…”

Strengthening University Students' Listening and Speaking Skills in English as a Foreign Language: Online International Conversation Clubs / Fortalecimiento De Habilidades De Escucha Y Habla De Estudiantes en Inglés Como Idioma Extranjero: Clubes Internacionales De Conversación en Línea

“…The interaction that the Conversation club promotes as an EFL practice also contributes to developing soft skills in the participants who use it to acquire a foreign language (Ploj et al, 2021). Besides, the researcher team recommend using CC because, it contributes to social diversity as an efficient and positive way within the construction of more peaceful, equitable, and progressive societies.…”

“…In such a condition emerged this educational research project as a contribution of the research project Comprensión lectora y esctritura academica 'LEA: Cambiando vidas' of the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí. Furthermore, inspired by Ploj et al (2021), this paper's authors propose Conversation Clubs Didactics, expecting to contribute to the university students' and professors' global citizenship competencies. The questions guiding this study are:…”