Students' Acceptance of Online Learning during Covid-19

Abstract

Objective - Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) has implemented online learning methods during Covid-19. Students from the Faculty of Science, UTAR, face enormous challenges during this period as they need to attend all classes through a synchronous or asynchronous environment which is significantly different from their experiences within-person classes. Therefore, this aims to explore the level of acceptance of online learning among students from the Faculty of Science during the period that the movement control order was in place. Secondly, the study aims to determine the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward online learning the students during the pandemic. Methodology/Technique - A quantitative study approach is employed in this paper. Hence, the targeted population comprises final-year to-year students from the Faculty of Science, UTAR, with data collected through a convenient sampling approach with a minimum size of 150. The survey was distributed through MS Teams. The conceptual research model is developed based on a technology acceptance model (TAM). The model is analysed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Finding - The findings of this study have a significant impact on the level of acceptance of online learning among the Faculty of Science students. The study concludes that online learning systems and platforms are easy to use and indirectly benefit students' learning performance. In conclusion, learning attitude towards online learning, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness have a positive influence on the level of acceptance of online learning practices. Novelty - This study addresses the concern of stakeholders for how online learning affects student satisfaction during the period that the movement control order was in place, with a particular focus on science-based subjects that required in-person practical tutorials in the lab. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Online Learning; Covid-19 Pandemic; Level of Student Acceptance; Partial Least Squares; Technology Acceptance Model JEL Classification: I21, I23 Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Lin, B.W; Hoe, K.Y. (2022). Students' Acceptance of Online Learning during Covid-19, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 10(4), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2022.10.4(2)