Students' satisfaction and continued intention toward e-learning: a theory-based study.

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Medical Education
• Higher Education

Background:

• COVID-19 necessitated a rapid shift to e-learning in educational institutions globally.
• Ensuring educational continuity required adapting traditional teaching methods to digital platforms.
• This study investigates factors influencing student satisfaction and continued engagement with e-learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key determinants of student satisfaction with e-learning.
• To predict students' intention to continue using e-learning platforms.
• To synthesize the Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in the context of e-learning.

Main Methods:

• A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to medical and dental students in Saudi Arabia.
• Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data and test hypotheses.
• Data were collected from 870 students, achieving a 67% response rate.

Main Results:

• Students reported a moderate level of satisfaction with e-learning (median = 3.5).
• Perceived usefulness and confirmation significantly impacted student satisfaction (ECT).
• Student satisfaction was the strongest predictor of continued e-learning intention.
• Perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and subjective norms positively influenced intention to use e-learning (TPB).

Conclusions:

• E-learning platform usability and perceived usefulness are crucial for enhancing student satisfaction.
• Interventions should focus on training, motivation, and building student confidence for effective e-learning adoption.
• Addressing factors from both ECT and TPB is vital for sustained e-learning engagement in medical education.