Attitude, digital literacy and self efficacy: Flow-on effects for online learning behavior

Abstract Online distance education allows easy and convenient access to learning opportunities. As with other forms of education, high self-efficacy often encourages greater student confidence and autonomy. While self-efficacy has been shown to have positive effects in face-to-face education, its antecedents and consequences in online distance education are less clear. This study addresses this issue. First, it considers two important antecedents: attitude and digital literacy. Second, the study considers the effects of self-efficacy on three important learning behaviors: peer engagement, learning management system (LMS) interaction and course convener interaction. Findings from an online survey of 151 postgraduate business students suggest that positive student attitude and digital literacy significantly contribute to self-efficacy. In turn, self-efficacy has positive effects on peer engagement, learning management system (LMS) interaction and convener interaction.

[1]  Rebecca Van de Vord.  Distance students and online research: Promoting information literacy through media literacy , 2010, Internet High. Educ..

[2]  J. B. Arbaugh,et al.  Sage, guide, both, or even more? An examination of instructor activity in online MBA courses , 2010, Comput. Educ..

[3]  Nada Dabbagh,et al.  Personal Learning Environments, social media, and self-regulated learning: A natural formula for connecting formal and informal learning , 2012, Internet High. Educ..

[4]  Wan Ng,et al.  Can we teach digital natives digital literacy? , 2012, Comput. Educ..

[5]  Gregory B. Northcraft,et al.  Is The End in Sight? Student Regulation of In-Class and Extra-Credit Effort in Response to Performance Feedback , 2010 .

[6]  Robert M. Bernard,et al.  How Does Distance Education Compare With Classroom Instruction? A Meta-Analysis of the Empirical Literature , 2004 .

[7]  A. Bandura.  Social Foundations of Thought and Action , 1986 .

[8]  Sorel Reisman,et al.  Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Learning Environment: Lessons Learned , 2004 .

[9]  C. Fornell,et al.  Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. , 1981 .

[10]  J. Scott Armstrong,et al.  Estimating nonresponse bias in mail surveys. , 1977 .

[11]  Marguerite Koole,et al.  Mobile Learning in Distance Education: Utility or Futility?. , 2010 .

[12]  Scott B. MacKenzie,et al.  Common Method Bias in Marketing: Causes, Mechanisms, and Procedural Remedies , 2012 .

[13]  Regina Juchun Chu,et al.  Multi-level analysis of peer support, Internet self-efficacy and e-learning outcomes - The contextual effects of collectivism and group potency , 2010, Comput. Educ..

[14]  Carl Obermiller,et al.  Instructor Credibility Across Disciplines , 2012 .

[15]  Tzyh-Lih Hsia,et al.  A study of student satisfaction in a blended e-learning system environment , 2010, Comput. Educ..

[16]  J. B. Arbaugh,et al.  An Investigation of Epistemological and Social Dimensions of Teaching in Online Learning Environments , 2006 .

[17]  Yu-Liang Ting,et al.  Tapping into students' digital literacy and designing negotiated learning to promote learner autonomy , 2015, Internet High. Educ..

[18]  Yoany Beldarrain,et al.  Distance Education Trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration , 2006 .

[19]  S. Easton,et al.  Strategies for Enhancing Student Interaction and Immediacy in Online Courses , 2005 .

[20]  Colin Lankshear,et al.  New literacies: everyday practices and social learning, 3rd edition , 2011 .

[21]  Lisa Kirtman.  Online Versus In-Class Courses: An Examination of Differences in Learning Outcomes , 2009 .

[22]  Linda Cooper,et al.  A comparison of online and traditional computer applications classes , 2001 .

[23]  Mikko Vesisenaho,et al.  Perspectives on personal learning environments held by vocational students , 2012, Comput. Educ..

[24]  A. Bandura.  Perceived Self-Efficacy in Cognitive Development and Functioning , 1993, Educational Psychologist.

[25]  Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili,et al.  Webcasting: a new instructional technology in distance graduate nursing education. , 2005, The Journal of nursing education.

[26]  Jon F. Nussbaum,et al.  Three investigations exploring relationships between perceived teacher communication behaviors and student learning , 1981 .

[27]  B. Zimmerman.  Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement: An Overview , 1990 .

[28]  B. Byrne.  Structural equation modeling with EQS : basic concepts, applications, and programming , 2000 .

[29]  D. Shen,et al.  Unpacking online learning experiences: Online learning self-efficacy and learning satisfaction , 2013, Internet High. Educ..

[30]  Ola Knutsson,et al.  Identifying different registers of digital literacy in virtual learning environments , 2012, Internet High. Educ..

[31]  Allan Martin,et al.  A european framework for digital literacy , 2006 .

[32]  B. Zimmerman,et al.  Self-Efficacy: An Essential Motive to Learn. , 2000, Contemporary educational psychology.

[33]  J. Arbaugh.  How Classroom Environment and Student Engagement Affect Learning in Internet-based MBA Courses , 2000 .

[34]  David Georgina,et al.  Integration of technology in higher education: A review of faculty self-perceptions , 2008, Internet High. Educ..

[35]  J. Webster,et al.  Teaching Effectiveness in Technology-Mediated Distance Learning , 1997 .

[36]  Andrew Whitworth,et al.  Invisible success: Problems with the grand technological innovation in higher education , 2012, Comput. Educ..

[37]  Rex B. Kline,et al.  Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling , 1998 .

[38]  Regina Juchun Chu,et al.  How family support and Internet self-efficacy influence the effects of e-learning among higher aged adults - Analyses of gender and age differences , 2010, Comput. Educ..

[39]  Scott B. MacKenzie,et al.  Common method biases in behavioral research: a critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. , 2003, The Journal of applied psychology.