EFL Students’ Attitudes towards Using Online Learning during Covid-19: Applying Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes toward online learning of EFL students by applying technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs along with the characteristics of the online learning system and the experience of online learning as external independent variables. The study used a quantitative approach. The researchers collected data by administering a questionnaire using Microsoft’s online form to the tertiary students who were studying for their Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in the English Language and Literature Department at Al-Balqa Applied University – Jordan. . One hundred eighty-five students out of 602 responded to the questionnaire. The researchers used SPSS and Structural Equational Modeling (SEM – Smart PLS) to analyze the data. Among the findings, the characteristics of an online learning system significantly affected perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes, and the behavioral intentions (BIs) of EFL learners. In contrast, EFL learners’ PEOU negatively affected their attitudes towards online learning and BIs. Finally, the attitudes of students who studied online for four semesters or more were negative compared to those who took less than four semesters online. These findings could be attributed to the supposedly temporary and rapid shift to online learning due to Covid-19 lockdown measures. This study is significant because it develops an understanding of tertiary EFL attitudes towards online learning. It also reflects on their behavioral intentions to utilize online learning after the pandemic. The researchers believe that this is the first study to examine EFL learners’ attitudes and BIs on using online learning during/after the pandemic in Jordan using TAM.