International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Online Learning Self-Efficacy of Undergraduates: Evidence from A University in Sri Lanka
WDH De Mel1*, WWDP Fernando2, IKJP Kumara3
1&2Department of Management and Finance, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
3Department of Languages, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: Online learning started to gain popularity across the world along with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of online learning self-efficacy of undergraduates on self-efficacy to complete a module online. The study predominantly focusses on the Online Learning Self Efficacy Scale (OLSS). The study was carried out based on a Sri Lankan University and data were collected from undergraduates via structured questionnaire. The study employs quantitative research methodology. The sample for the study was selected based on non-probability sampling technique using convenient sampling method. Accordingly, the final sample size consisted of 203 respondents after removing the missing data and outliers. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were carried out validate the OLSS scale in the Sri Lankan context. Moreover, path analysis was undertaken in order to test the hypotheses of the study. Accordingly, results revealed that technology use self-efficacy has an insignificant relationship with self-efficacy to complete a module online. The other three independent variables in terms of, online learning task self-efficacy, instructor and peer interaction and communication self-efficacy and thirdly self-regulation and motivation efficacy proven to have a significant impact on the dependent variable of the study.
Keywords: Self-efficacy, Online learning, undergraduates
I. INTRODUCTION
The way information is delivered and accessible has changed as a result of the advancements in modern technology and due to some social issues affected globally. The increasing use of the Internet and technological advancements have increased the amount of online learning in comparison to traditional learning environments (Peechapol et al., 2018). By utilizing technology to create a virtual classroom, online learning is an educational innovation that is changing traditional teaching and learning methods (Poondej & Lerdpornkulrat, 2019). Everyone in the world can easily and quickly access online learning resources removing distance barriers (Wongwuttiwat et al., 2020). There is a need to recognize how students can apply learning strategies to achieve academic success in the online environment as the number of people using online learning keeps growing (Peechapol et al., 2018b).