University students’ perceived service quality and attitude towards hybrid learning: ease of use and usefulness as mediators
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 11 September 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Numerous academic institutions have embarked on the pursuit of hybrid learning as an alternative approach, catering to students who opt for replacing a fraction of their conventional in-person meeting schedule with remote teaching. However, these new remote learning patterns have brought forth new stands against students' expectations. The universities have come across immense challenges in devising efficacious strategies that encompass the delivery, effectiveness and acceptability of hybrid courses. Consequently, identifying pivotal determinants related to user acceptance of technology persists as a crucial matter. This study aims to shed light on the adoption of hybrid learning from students' perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to scrutinise the proposed research model and hypotheses. A total sample of 444 students responded and partook in the survey. The data were analysed using AMOS software, a powerful tool for statistical analysis in the field of social sciences.
Findings
The findings of this study show that perceived service quality positively and significantly impacts the ease of use and usefulness of a hybrid learning system among students. In addition, the results demonstrate that ease of use and usefulness of the system positively and significantly influence students' favourable attitudes toward hybrid learning. Remarkably, the statistical analysis unveils the significant mediating effect of ease of use and usefulness in the relationship between perceived service quality and students' attitudes toward hybrid learning.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that the pervasive dependence on information systems and the quality of service from novel technologies continues to be a vital influence in the learning environment. The study has provided valuable insights into student perseverance learning strategies for higher education institutions.
Originality/value
This study's novelty lies in illuminating the crucial role of ease of use and usefulness as mediators, highlighting their criticality in enhancing students' attitudes towards hybrid learning. Notably, the study underscores that perceived service quality exerts a positive influence on ease of use and usefulness.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the funding support from the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia under the UTAR Research Funding (UTARRF) (Reference No.: IPSR/RMC/UTARRF/2022-C1/P01).
Citation
Tan, P.S.H., Seow, A.N., Choong, Y.O., Tan, C.H., Lam, S.Y. and Choong, C.K. (2023), "University students’ perceived service quality and attitude towards hybrid learning: ease of use and usefulness as mediators", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-03-2023-0113
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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