Online Learning and COVID-19 in Higher Education: The Value of IT Models in Assessing Students’ Satisfaction

Abstract

In online learning, students’ 'fit' (or satisfaction) with necessary technologies has become a vital component in assessing their learning efficacy,especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While current studies have notedthe impact of the curriculum, the instructor, and the learner, there is insufficientunderstanding of factors that predict students’ satisfaction with online learningduring the crisis [38]. Existing studies focus on pre-pandemic circumstances,where online learning was a minor part of the higher education (HE) paradigm.This study assesses HE students’ use (i.e. 'fit') with online learning via theirperception, behavioral intention, and satisfaction. By utilizing the InformationTechnology (IT) models of Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and Unified Theory ofAcceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study investigates if, fromstudents’ perspective, pedagogical theories are aligned with the IT models, using the quantitative survey method to gather input from students across variousdisciplines in a Singaporean university. Standard descriptive and correlationanalyses studied the link between factors and their influence on online learningsatisfaction. Significantly, the IT models are found to be valuable in assessingonline learning satisfaction. Recommendations arising from the study providehelpful strategic guidelines for future online learning, which apply to Singaporeand online learning design in general, particularly in this time of paradigmchange.