University students’ online learning attitudes and continuous intention to undertake online courses: a self-regulated learning perspective

Abstract

Studies have been conducted on university students’ continuous intention to learn online from the perspectives of learning motivation and capability, perceptions or attitudes, and online learning experiences. However, few have examined how the above factors will relate to each other and contribute to students’ online learning intention. This research explored 94 university students’ online learning attitudes and experiences in a blended course. The researchers investigated the changes in the participants’ attitudes toward online learning and the relationships between their self-regulated learning capability, online interactions, attitudes, and online learning intention. These students participated in a pre- and post-survey at the beginning and end of the course. They also completed six weekly reports commenting on their learning activities of the week. At the end of the course, interviews were administered to eight participants to gather detailed information about their online learning experiences. It was found that (a) the participants’ online learning attitudes were generally positive and increased when completing the course; and (b) the participants’ continuous intention to learn online was significantly predicted by four self-regulatory factors and attitudes, mediated through perceived online social interactions. The analysis of the interviewees’ further comments provided more insights about the potential factors contributing to their online learning attitude changes. The strategies for future online course design with a view of improving students’ self-regulated learning skills are discussed in this paper.