Discovering university students’ behaviour to promote distance learning on the DingTalk telecommunication platform during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research is based on university students’ experience of using DingTalk in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the distance learning mode on the telecommunication platform provides university students with comprehensive functions, they have limited motivation to accept it and even express dissatisfaction with this new learning model. To narrow the research gap, this study establishes a research model based on the COM-B Behaviour Changing theory and the Hofstede cultural theory, and it analyses influencing factors from Environmental opportunity, Personal capability, and Cultural control aspects. Applying the variance-based structural equation modelling and partial least squares path modelling (PLS-SEM), 358 valid questionnaires have been analysed through the SmartPLS. All hypotheses can be supported, such as the relationship between official department support and students’ distance learning motivation, the connection between privacy security awareness and students’ motivation, and the relationship between power distance and students’ motivation. The research findings will be helpful in enhancing the distance learning system, and more and more students will have an opportunity to accept a high-quality distance education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.