Distance Learning Technology Adoption: A Motivation Perspective

More than half of the colleges and universities in the U.S. are offering at least some of their classes over the Internet. While many studies have examined the effect of distance learning and online learning technologies on student learning performance, few have looked into students' attitudes toward distance learning and its impact on their selection of online learning technologies. Positive user attitude and user acceptance have been considered critical factors that contribute to the successful application and implementation of new information technologies including online learning technology. Using expectancy theory, this study seeks to explain the behavioral intention (motivation) of a student to adopt an online learning technology. Specifically, we examine the contributing factors toward students' motivation of adopting an online learning technology. The results show that students have strong preferences for the potential outcomes of online learning technologies and these preferences are consistent across individuals.