An integrative model to predict the continuance use of electronic learning systems: hints for teaching.There is an increased expectation about the usefulness of electronic learning (e-learning) to complement or substitute traditional face-to-face learning. However, the growth rate of the e-learning market has not properly reflected the high expectation. Researchers began to direct their attention to the assessment of e-learning effectiveness in order to solve the issue. However, little has been known about why some users stop adopting e-learning after their initial experience. Our work focuses on investigating the continuance The adjournment or postponement of an action pending in a court to a later date of the same or another session of the court, granted by a court in response to a motion made by a party to a lawsuit. usage problems in the field of information technology. A theoretical framework is proposed to address the continuance issue. This integrative framework makes three major contributions. First, it integrates the frameworks of computer self-efficacy (CSE (Certified Systems Engineer) See Microsoft certification. ) and the expectation-confirmation model (ECM (1) (Enterprise Change Management) See version control and configuration management. (2) (Error Correcting Mode) A Group 3 fax capability that can test for errors within a row of pixels and request retransmission. ). Second, it theorizes the causal relationship between the factors of perceived usefulness, confirmation, satisfaction, and information system (IS) continuance in the e-learning context. Finally, it explains users' online learning behaviors through a field survey. The results indicate that, in the context of learning conceptual knowledge in undergraduate education undergraduate education Medtalk In the US, a 4+ yr college or university education leading to a baccalaureate degree, the minimum education level required for medical school admission; undergraduate medical education refers to the 4 yrs of medical school. Cf CME. , there are significant relationships among the CSE of online learners, their perceived usefulness, confirmation, and satisfaction levels. INTRODUCTION Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology ) attempt to offer virtually all of its courses online by September 2007 has alerted many higher educational institutes to the strategic importance of e-learning programs. A search on the U.S. News database identified 265 online degree programs as of February 11, 2003. International Data Corporate estimated that the world corporate e-learning market was $6.6 billion in 2002 and will grow to nearly $24 billion by 2006, at a compound annual rate of 35.6%. Obviously, online learning is blooming A condition with older CCD devices that causes distortion at the pixel level. It occurs when the electrical charge created exceeds the storage capacity of the device and spills over into adjacent pixels. Newer CCDs incorporate anti-blooming circuitry to drain the excess charge. See CCD. . While traditional institutions of higher education higher education Study beyond the level of secondary education. Institutions of higher education include not only colleges and universities but also professional schools in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. were considered late to adopt e-learning, they introduced e-learning systems in several ways (e.g., www.blackboard (1) See Blackboard Learning System. (2) The traditional classroom presentation board that is written on with chalk and erased with a felt pad. Although originally black, "white" boards and colored chalks are also used. .com, www.webct.com, and www.GlobalMinds.com): redesigning course curriculums (e.g., University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. , Flint and portions of state universities systems in the U.S.); recruiting new faculty with interests and experience conducting e-learning programs (American Capital University and University of West Georgia In recent years, the university has been named by the Princeton Review as one of the Best Southeastern Colleges and one of America's Best Value Colleges. Its 109 programs of study include 60 at the bachelor's level, 45 at the master's and specialist's, two at the doctoral level and two ); and establishing pure e-universities (Universitas 21 Global Universitas 21 Global (U21Global) is an online graduate school owned by 20 affiliated universities of the Universitas 21 network and Thomson Learning. A separate external quality assurance body, U21pedagogica (U21p) monitors quality control. in Singapore and University of Phoenix). While trying to adopt e-learning systems to meet the demands of online learners, educational administrators, researchers, and practitioners may doubt the ability of current online programs to attract new users and, most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , to retain users who participated in online programs. As e-learning gains attention, it is important to establish an appropriate framework for research to enhance the effectiveness of this new trend. This study establishes the relevance of applying the expectation/confirmation model (ECM) and computer self efficacy (CSE) theories to e-learning in higher education. The attempt is a major departure from most of today's studies on e-learning which focus on developing e-learning approaches and mediums to improve the effectiveness of virtual learning environments (VLE VLE Virtual Learning Environment (system for development of online education materials) VLE Vapor Liquid Equilibrium VLE Valeur Limite d'Exposition (French: threshold limit value ceiling) ). This study argues that online learners' computer self-efficacy and expectations may be more important prerequisites than the VLE itself to the continuous use of any e-learning system. Research has demonstrated that CSE may also exert significant influence on individuals' emotional reactions to using computers, as well as their actual computer use (Compeau & Higgins, 1995). Hence, it is plausible that CSE may also affect the constructs of ECM. Research integrating CSE and ECM for studying virtual learning environments might provide more insight into understanding the reuse reuse - Using code developed for one application program in another application. Traditionally achieved using program libraries. Object-oriented programming offers reusability of code via its techniques of inheritance and genericity. of learning systems. Information technology plays a very important role in an e-learning environment. Technology acceptance theories are fairly defined; however, the initial acceptance does not guarantee the success of the system implementation. The continuous use of information technology at the individual user level is central to the survival of many business-to-consumer electronic commerce firms, such as internet service providers Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (ISPs), online retailers, online bankers, online brokerages, online travel agencies, and the like. The importance of continuance, compared to acceptance, is evident because acquiring new customers may cost five times more than retaining existing ones, given the costs of searching for new customers, setting up new accounts, and initiating new customers to the IS. Understanding online learners' intent to continue using is the primary goal of this study. We conducted a field survey of users who had used an online learning system for their MIS introductory courses. A path analysis was used to test the proposed model and identify the constructs of the model and their relationships. This integrative framework will be most useful to educational administrators or e-learning system providers by exploring ways to improve the retention rate of online users. The immediate findings of the field survey will provide evidence for researchers beginning to recognize the importance of computer efficacy and expectations, and their contributions to the re-adoption of e-learning systems. In the next two sections, the integrative framework to predict the continued use of the e-learning system is proposed based on literature reviews of the ECM and CSE theories. The authors, then, test the integrative framework and hypothesize hy·poth·e·size v. hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing, hy·poth·e·siz·es v.tr. To assert as a hypothesis. v.intr. To form a hypothesis. on the causal relationship among different constructs. The article concludes with an analysis and discussion of the results, explanation of the study limitations, implications for research and conclusions. CONCEPTS FORMATION Technology Acceptance Model The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory (Figure 1) is useful in explaining the usage behavior of information technology (IT) (Davis, Bagozzi & Warshaw, 1989). The theory was built upon Ajzen and Fishbein's (1977) theory of reasoned action The theory of reasoned action (TRA), developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen (1975, 1980), derived from previous research that started out as the theory of attitude, which led to the study of attitude and behavior. that asserts that beliefs could influence attitudes, which lead to intentions to use and finally actual usage behaviors. Understanding the causal relationship would be helpful in explaining IT (including e-learning systems) adoption behavior. Davis, et al. (1989) asserted that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) represent beliefs finally leading to actual use of IT. Perceived usefulness is the degree to which a person believes that a particular system will enhance his or her job performance (i.e., by reducing the time to accomplish a task or providing timely information). Perceived ease of use is the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system will be free of effort. Two other constructs in TAM In Tam (September 22, 1916 - April 1, 2006) is a former Prime Minister of Cambodia. He served in that position from May 6 1973 to December 9 1973, and had a long career in Cambodian politics. are the attitude toward use and behavioral intention to use. The attitude toward use is the user's evaluation of the desirability of employing a particular information system's application. Behavioral intention to use is a measure of the likelihood a person will employ the application (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1977). Both attitude and behavioral intention are critical in studying the use of information technology (Oliver, 1980). [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] The Expectation-Confirmation Theory in Marketing The Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT ECT electroconvulsive therapy. ECT abbr. electroconvulsive therapy ECT Electroconvulsive therapy sometimes is used to treat depression or mania when pharmaceutical treatment fails. ) (Figure 2) asserts that consumers' intention to repurchase a product or service is significantly influenced by their prior experience with that product or service (Anderson & Sullican, 1993; Oliver, 1980). Satisfactory experience is a key enabler for building and retaining long-term consumer relationships. ECT is widely used in customer behaviors literature to study consumer satisfaction (Anderson & Sullican, 1993), post-purchase behavior (such as repurchase) (Dabolkar, Shepard and Thorpe Thorpe , James Francis Known as "Jim." 1888-1953. American athlete. An outstanding collegiate football player, he later played professional football and baseball. , 2000), customer complaints (Oliver, 1980), and service marketing in general (Stumpf, Brief & Hartman, 1987; Venkatesh & Davis, 1996). The predictive ability of this theory has been demonstrated over a wide range of product repurchase and service continuance contexts, including automobile repurchase (Schunk, 1981), camcorder repurchase (Dabolkar, et al., 2000), restaurant services, and business professional services (job) professional services - A department of a supplier providing consultancy and programming manpower for the supplier's products. (Stumpf, et al., 1987). [FIGURE 2 OMITTED] Satisfaction was initially defined in the context of job performance as a pleasurable pleas·ur·a·ble adj. Agreeable; gratifying. pleas ur·a·bil or positive emotional state resulting from
the appraisal of one's job. Oliver (1993) applied the concept to
the consumption context and defined it as the summary psychological
state resulting when the emotion surrounding disconfirmation
expectations is coupled with the consumer's prior feelings about
the consumption experience. Both definitions underscore The underscore character (_) is often used to make file, field and variable names more readable when blank spaces are not allowed. For example, NOVEL_1A.DOC, FIRST_NAME and Start_Routine. (character) underscore - _, ASCII 95. a psychological or affective affective /af·fec·tive/ (ah-fek´tiv) pertaining to affect. af·fec·tive adj. 1. Concerned with or arousing feelings or emotions; emotional. 2. state related to and resulting from a cognitive appraisal of the expectation-performance discrepancy DISCREPANCY. A difference between one thing and another, between one writing and another; a variance. (q.v.) 2. Discrepancies are material and immaterial. (confirmation). Lower expectations and/or higher perceived performance Perceived performance, in computer engineering, refers to how quickly a software feature appears to perform its task. The concept applies mainly to user acceptance aspects. lead to a greater confirmation, which results in positive influences on customer satisfaction and continuance intention. Reversing the relationship causes disconfirmation, dissatisfaction, and a discontinuance Cessation; ending; giving up. The discontinuance of a lawsuit, also known as a dismissal or a non-suit, is the voluntary or involuntary termination of an action. DISCONTINUANCE, pleading. A chasm or interruption in the pleading. 2. intention. Hence, confirmation is inversely in·verse adj. 1. Reversed in order, nature, or effect. 2. Mathematics Of or relating to an inverse or an inverse function. 3. Archaic Turned upside down; inverted. n. 1. related to expectation and directly related to perceived performance. ECT also theorized expectation as another determinant determinant, a polynomial expression that is inherent in the entries of a square matrix. The size n of the square matrix, as determined from the number of entries in any row or column, is called the order of the determinant. of satisfaction because expectation provides a baseline or reference level with which customers evaluate products and services. Customers with a high baseline level of expectation for a product or service tend to have higher satisfaction levels after using it. On the contrary, customers with a low expectation for a product or service often have lower satisfaction levels after using it. The Expectation-Confirmation Model in Information System Adoption Bhattacherjee (2001) suggests that the IS users' continuance decision is similar to consumers' repurchase decision because both decisions: (1) follow an initial (acceptance or purchase) decision; (2) are influenced by the initial use (of IS or product) experience; and (3) can potentially lead to ex-post reversal of the initial decision. He also proposed an Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) (Figure 3) by integrating the ECT and TAM. The most significant difference between ECM and other models is the use of pre-consumption and post-consumption factors. [FIGURE 3 OMITTED] The ECT holds that consumers' intention to repurchase a product or continue service use is determined primarily by satisfaction with prior use of that product or service (Anderson & Sullican, 1993; Oliver, 1980; Patterson, Johnson & Spreng, 1997). However, Bhattacherjee (2001) extended ECT to a different context in three ways. First, while ECT examines both pre-consumption and post-consumption variables, the ECM focuses only on post-acceptance variables because the effects of any pre-acceptance variables are already captured within the confirmation and satisfaction constructs. Second, ECT only examines the effect of pre-consumption expectation, not post-consumption expectation. The ECM amends AMENDS. A satisfaction, given by a wrong doer to the party injured for a wrong committed. 1 Lilly's Reg. 81. 2. By statute 24 Geo. II. c. 44, in England, and by similar statutes in some of the United States, justices of the peace, upon being notified of an ECT to include ex-post expectation. Third, (ex-post) expectation is represented in the proposed model by (ex-post) perceived usefulness, because perceived usefulness is a cognitive belief salient to IS use (Davis et al., 1989). IS continuance context is the only belief that consistently demonstrates influence on user intention across temporal stages of IS use (Karahanna, Straub & Chervany, 1999). According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. TAM-based studies, perceived usefulness is an adequate expectation in the IS continuance model that often imposes monetary and non-monetary costs on IS users. Hence, rational users most likely go through a non-trivial decision process, similar to that in ECT, prior to making an informed decision choice. However, in order to adapt ECT to a different context (i.e., IS continuance), several theoretical extensions are required. Such extensions provide unique opportunities for theory refinement. Potentially, they can explain IS continuance decisions better than ECT alone. Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) CSE was derived from self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, the belief that one has the capability to perform a particular behavior, is an important construct in social psychology. It is defined as an estimation of one's ability to successfully perform target behaviors to produce outcomes (Bandura ban`dur´a n. 1. A traditional Ukrainian stringed musical instrument shaped like a lute, having many strings. , 1977). Self-efficacy perceptions have been found to influence decisions about how to behave (Betz & Hackett, 1981), the effort exerted and persistence in attempting behaviors (Barling & Beattie, 1983; Brown & Inouye, 1978), the emotional responses (including stress and anxiety) of the individual performing the behaviors (Spreng, MacKenzie & Olshavsky, 1996), and the actual performance attainments of the individual with respect to the behavior (Locke, 1976; Schunk, 1981; Wood & Bandura, 1989). Several more recent studies (Burkhardt & Brass, 1990; Hill, Smith & Mann, 1987; Webster & Martocchio, 1992) have examined self-efficacy with respect to using computers and a variety of computer behaviors. These studies found evidence of a relationship between self-efficacy and registration in computer courses at universities, and adoption of high technology products (Hill, Smith & Mann, 1987) and innovations (Burkhardt and Brass, 1990), as well as performance in software training (Gist & Mitchell, 1992; Webster & Martocchio, 1992). All of the studies argue for further research to fully explore the role of self-efficacy in consumer behavior. Computer self-efficacy refers to a judgment of one's capability to use a computer. It is not concerned with one's past actions but rather with one's judgments of future actions. Moreover, it does not refer to simple component sub-skills, like formatting diskettes or entering formulas in a spreadsheet. Rather, it incorporates judgments of the ability to apply those skills to broader tasks (Compeau & Higgins, 1995). THEORETICAL MODEL The purpose of this research is to test and verify the constructs of ECM in a virtual learning environment. In addition, this research introduces a Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) construct into ECM, and explores the relationship between CSE and other constructs of ECM. A theoretical framework that integrates CSE and ECM theories in the VLE based on eight hypotheses is presented in Figure 4. Lower expectations and/or higher performance leads to greater confirmation, which in turn positively influences customer satisfaction and continuance intentions. The reverse causes disconfirmation, dissatisfaction, and discontinuance intentions (Bhattacherjee, 2001). Just as the cognitive beliefs in IS acceptance contexts (i.e., perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) are related (Davis, Bagozzi & Warshaw, 1989), constructs in IS continuance contexts (i.e., confirmation and perceived usefulness) may also be related. For instance, users may have low initial usefulness perceptions because they are unsure what to expect from a new IS use. Nonetheless, they may still want to accept it intending to make their usage experience a basis for more concrete perceptions. [FIGURE 4 OMITTED] Although low initial usefulness perceptions are easily confirmed, such perceptions may be adjusted higher as a result of the confirmation experience when users realize that their initial perceptions are unrealistically low. In other words Adv. 1. in other words - otherwise stated; "in other words, we are broke" put differently , confirmations will tend to elevate el·e·vate tr.v. ele·vat·ed, ele·vat·ing, ele·vates 1. To move (something) to a higher place or position from a lower one; lift. 2. To increase the amplitude, intensity, or volume of. 3. users' perceived usefulness; disconfirmation will reduce such perceptions. E-learning is in its early adoption phase for many learners who are accustomed to learning with a live instructor. In the VLE environment, online learners' extent of confirmation with the e-learning system is positively associated with its perceived usefulness to assist their learning. Therefore, this research hypothesizes: H1 Online users' extent of confirmation is positively associated with their perceived usefulness of an e-learning system in a VLE. ECT posits that user satisfaction can be explained by two constructs: expectation of the IS and confirmation of the expectation following use. Expectation provides the baseline level against which confirmation is assessed to determine users' evaluative response or satisfaction. Confirmation is positively related to satisfaction with IS use when the expected benefits of IS use are actually realized. On the other hand, users may have a disconfirmation experience when actually using the system if the system does not live up to their original expectation. Confirming online users' experiences and satisfaction levels using an e-learning system allows us to assess the causal relationship between these two constructs. Thus, we hypothesize: H2 Online users' extent of confirmation is positively associated with their satisfaction with using the e-learning system in a VLE. TAM theory asserts that post-consumption expectation can be represented as ex-post perceived usefulness in the proposed IS continuance model (Davis, et al., 1989). Many researchers (Mathieson, 1991; Taylor & Todd, 1995) have found that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are salient factors influencing IS acceptance behaviors. Perceived usefulness captures the instrumentality Instrumentality Notes issued by a federal agency whose obligations are guaranteed by the full-faith-and-credit of the government, even though the agency's responsibilities are not necessarily those of the US government. of IS use, while ease of use taps into the self-efficacy dimension. Because perceived usefulness and ease of use are the primary motivators of IS acceptance, it is plausible that these motivators can also influence subsequent continuance decisions. Comparing the relative effects of perceived usefulness and ease of use during the pre-acceptance and post-acceptance stages of IS use, some empirical studies Empirical studies in social sciences are when the research ends are based on evidence and not just theory. This is done to comply with the scientific method that asserts the objective discovery of knowledge based on verifiable facts of evidence. report that (1) usefulness impacts attitude substantially and consistently during both stages of IS use, and (2) perceived ease of use has an inconsistent effect on attitude in the initial stages, which seems to further subside sub·side intr.v. sub·sid·ed, sub·sid·ing, sub·sides 1. To sink to a lower or normal level. 2. To sink or settle down, as into a sofa. 3. To sink to the bottom, as a sediment. 4. and become non-significant in later stages (Karahanna, Straub & Chervany, 1999). In keeping with these observations, perceived usefulness is expected to be the most salient ex-post expectation influencing users' post-acceptance affect (i.e., satisfaction). Our hypothesis, therefore, only examines the perceived usefulness of an e-learning system and its effects on the satisfaction level of online learners. H3 Online learners' perceived usefulness (PU) of an e-learning system is positively associated with their satisfaction with using the e-learning system in the VLE. According to the TAM model, the perceived usefulness is a direct predictor of acceptance intention (in addition to its indirect effect via attitude), which accounts for circumstances where high instrumentality consideration has more influence than low affect on motivating usage intentions. Enhanced performance is instrumental in achieving various rewards that are extrinsic EVIDENCE, EXTRINSIC. External evidence, or that which is not contained in the body of an agreement, contract, and the like. 2. It is a general rule that extrinsic evidence cannot be admitted to contradict, explain, vary or change the terms of a contract or of a to the task context, such as promotions or monetary gains. IS use is often viewed as a means to performance enhancement. People tend to subconsciously sub·con·scious adj. Not wholly conscious; partially or imperfectly conscious: subconscious perceptions. n. The part of the mind below the level of conscious perception. Often used with the. pursue instrumental behaviors or strive for rewards. The tendency is independent of the timing or stage of such behaviors. Therefore, it is likely that the usefulness-intention association, originally derived in an acceptance context, may also hold true in the continuance context. This leads to the fourth hypothesis: H4 Online learners' continuance intention to use an e-learning system is positively associated with their perceived usefulness of the e-learning system. The ECT theory states that users' IS continuance intention is determined primarily by their satisfaction with prior IS use. Several industry studies provide anecdotal evidence anecdotal evidence, n information obtained from personal accounts, examples, and observations. Usually not considered scientifically valid but may indicate areas for further investigation and research. for this association (Lederer, Maupin, Sena and Zhuang, 2000; Karahanna et al., 1999). For instance, an Inteco study cites negative experiences and dissatisfaction resulting from slow access or engaged lines, poor help lines, and other technical problems as ISP (1) See in-system programmable. (2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. users' primary reasons for service termination. Recall that satisfaction is an affect captured as a positive (satisfied), indifferent INDIFFERENT. To have no bias nor partiality. 7 Conn. 229. A juror, an arbitrator, and a witness, ought to be indifferent, and when they are not so, they may be challenged. See 9 Conn. 42. , or negative (dissatisfied dis·sat·is·fied adj. Feeling or exhibiting a lack of contentment or satisfaction. dis·sat is·fied ) feeling.
Affect (as attitude) has been theorized and validated in TAM-based
studies as an important predictor of the intention concerning IS use
(Taylor et al., 1995; Karahanna, 1999). These studies provide indirect
support for the satisfaction-continuance intention association derived
from ECT. This leads to the fifth hypothesis:
H5 Online learners' level of satisfaction with the initial use of an e-learning system is positively associated with their e-learning continuance intention. Self-efficacy perceptions are expected to be a significant precursor precursor /pre·cur·sor/ (pre´kur-ser) something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature, substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. to computer use (Bandura, Adams & Beyer, 1977; Betz & Hackett, 1981; Hill, Smith & Mann, 1987). While self-efficacy has not been explicitly measured in other IS research, there is some evidence to support the influence of self-efficacy. Barki and Huff huff - To compress data using a Huffman code. Various programs that use such methods have been called "HUFF" or some variant thereof. Opposite: puff. Compare crunch, compress. (1990) measured the "willingness to change" construct as a surrogate surrogate n. 1) a person acting on behalf of another or a substitute, including a woman who gives birth to a baby of a mother who is unable to carry the child. 2) a judge in some states (notably New York) responsible only for probates, estates, and adoptions. for self-efficacy and suggested that it was related to the use of a decision support system. This leads to the sixth hypothesis: H6 The higher an online learner's computer self-efficacy, the greater the chance his/her use of an e-learning system. Self-efficacy judgments substantially influence the emotional responses of individuals. Individuals tend to prefer and enjoy behaviors they feel they are capable of performing and to dislike those they do not feel they can successfully master. Several studies in psychology provide support for this contention. One found that self-efficacy perceptions were significantly related to affect (or interest) for particular occupations (Betz & Hackett, 1981). This leads to the seventh hypothesis: H7 The higher the individual's computer self-efficacy, the higher his/her interest in computer use. There is experimental evidence supporting the causal flow from CSE to system-specific perceived ease of use, but Social Cognitive Theory Social Cognitive Theory utilized both in Psychology and Communications posits that portions of an individual's knowledge acquisition can be directly related to observing others within the context of social interactions, experiences, and outside media influences. plays a prominent role in self-efficacy perceptions. Self-efficacy judgments are purported pur·port·ed adj. Assumed to be such; supposed: the purported author of the story. pur·port ed·ly adv. to influence outcome expectations (Bandura,
Adams & Beyer, 1977). Based on TAM, perceived usefulness is also
affected by external variables, such as computer self-efficacy
(Venkatesh & Davis, 1996). Hence:
H8 The higher an online learner's computer self-efficacy, the higher his/her outcome expectations. METHODS Subjects of the Research The participants in the study are MIS major students. These participants were required to use the Idea E-Learning System for a Management Information System (MIS) course. Respondents In the context of marketing research, a representative sample drawn from a larger population of people from whom information is collected and used to develop or confirm marketing strategy. completed pre-test questionnaires during the first class meeting of spring semester se·mes·ter n. One of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each of an academic year. [German, from Latin (cursus) s and post-test questionnaires in the last class meeting, both during regularly scheduled class times. As an incentive to participate, respondents received extra credit in the MIS course. A total of 260 students completed the pre-test questionnaires, and a total of 247 students completed the post-test questionnaires. Due to missing data, 187 responses (pre-test 71.9%, post-test 75.7%) were used in this analysis. The sample consisted of 101 men and 86 women. Measures A review of the literature was undertaken to identify construct definitions and any existing measures. Based on this review, scales were formed for each of the constructs in the model. Previously developed and validated instruments were adopted directly. A few constructs required adaptation of existing measures. The dependent variable, IS continuance intention, was measured using three items adapted from Bhattacherjee (2001). The two initial items measured respondents' intention to continue e-learning as opposed to discontinuing it or using any alternate way such as traditional learning environments. The third item assessed respondents' overall discontinuance intention (worded negatively to control for potential common-method bias). "Perceived Usefulness" items were adapted from Davis et al.'s (1989) six-item perceived usefulness scale and used a 7-point Likert scale Likert scale A subjective scoring system that allows a person being surveyed to quantify likes and preferences on a 5-point scale, with 1 being the least important, relevant, interesting, most ho-hum, or other, and 5 being most excellent, yeehah important, etc . A higher score means the perceived usefulness of that item is much stronger. Score sums ranged from 6 to 42. "Confirmation" items are operationalized in the ECT literature in three ways: objective, inferred, and perceived (Zhang & Espinoza, 1998). Bhattacherjeer's (2001) three-item confirmation on a scale of 1 to 7 is adapted, where "1" meant strongly disagree and "7" meant strongly agree. Satisfaction was measured using Spreng et al.'s (1996) overall satisfaction scale from the ECT literature, originally designed to assess users' satisfaction with camcorder use. This scale captured respondents' satisfaction levels along seven-point scales anchored by four semantic differential Semantic differential is a type of a rating scale designed to measure the connotative meaning of objects, events, and concepts. Nominalists and realists Theoretical underpinnings of Charles E. adjective adjective, English part of speech, one of the two that refer typically to attributes and together are called modifiers. The other kind of modifier is the adverb. pairs: "very dissatisfied/very satisfied," "very displeased/very pleased," "very frustrated/very contented," and "absolutely terrible/absolutely delighted." This scale was appropriate because an affect such as satisfaction is best measured along bipolar (1) See bipolar transmission. (2) One of two major categories of transistor; the other is "field effect transistor" (FET). Although the first transistors and first silicon chips were bipolar, most chips today are field effect transistors wired as CMOS logic, which evaluative dimensions (e.g., good/bad) (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977). Further, this semantic differential technique more clearly distinguished the satisfaction scale from other constructs that used Likert scales. Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) was measured by the 10-item instrument developed by Compeau and Higgins (1995). The respondents had to answer "yes" or "no" first. If yes, they choose a confidence degree from 1 to 10. Otherwise, the confidence degree was zero. Bandura et al.'s (1977) theory of self-efficacy and Schunk's model of classroom learning (1981) guided the development of the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale. DATA ANALYSIS This study used path analysis to test the model. The path analysis is a regression based technique that can analyze structural models with multiple-item constructs and direct and indirect paths. The path analysis is similar to standardized standardized pertaining to data that have been submitted to standardization procedures. standardized morbidity rate see morbidity rate. standardized mortality rate see mortality rate. regression and was preferred to the SPSS A statistical package from SPSS, Inc., Chicago (www.spss.com) that runs on PCs, most mainframes and minis and is used extensively in marketing research. It provides over 50 statistical processes, including regression analysis, correlation and analysis of variance. 10.0.07 version for this study. Construct validity construct validity, n the degree to which an experimentally-determined definition matches the theoretical definition. is shown in Table 1. The reliability of these constructs are all higher than 0.7. The results are presented in Figure 5; Table 1 represents a correlation matrix Noun 1. correlation matrix - a matrix giving the correlations between all pairs of data sets statistics - a branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection and interpretation of quantitative data and the use of probability theory to estimate population of the five constructs. Confirmation demonstrated a direct, statistically significant, positive relationship with Perceived Usefulness and Satisfaction (H1 p<0.01, H2 p<0.01). For individuals whose expectations were further confirmed, the satisfaction and perceived usefulness also more likely increased, thus supporting Hypotheses 1 and 2. Perceived usefulness demonstrated a direct, statistically significant, and positive relationship with Satisfaction and the IS continuance Intention (H3, p<0.01; H4, p<0.01). When users think the systems are useful, their satisfaction increases. Apparently, they will be more likely to continue using the systems to raise their personal performance, thus supporting Hypotheses 3 and 4. The satisfaction measure demonstrated a direct, statistically significant, and positive relationship with IS continuance intention (H5, p<0.01). As above, if users feel highly satisfied with the systems, they will prefer to use them continuously, thus supporting Hypothesis 5. [FIGURE 5 OMITTED] CSE demonstrated a direct, statistically significant, but negative relationship with IS continuance intention (H6, p<0.05). When users have higher CSE, they might assume the systems are not the key reason for good personal performance. They tend to criticize crit·i·cize v. crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing, crit·i·ciz·es v.tr. 1. To find fault with: criticized the decision as unrealistic. See Usage Note at critique. the design of the system and, as a result, the intention to reuse the system is reduced if it does not meet their expectations. This finding does not support Hypothesis 6. CSE demonstrated a direct, statistically significant, and positive relationship with satisfaction and perceived usefulness (H7 p<0.05; H8 p<0.05). When users feel that they have more CSE, they will be more satisfied with the system and believe the system is more useful to their personal performances, thus supporting Hypothesis 7 and 8. The correlation coefficients Correlation Coefficient A measure that determines the degree to which two variable's movements are associated. The correlation coefficient is calculated as: of constructs, other than H6, are all significant. Table 2 presents the correlations between variables. CONCLUSION Online learning is the way of the trend. An appropriate design of the virtual learning environment will make the difference. A well-designed system might reduce learners' frustration and attract them to continue using the system. Teaching system design should not only focus on the technical aspects. There is more to take into consideration. This research proposed an integrative framework to bridge the factors of computer self-efficacy and expectation in virtual learning environments (VLEs). A three-month field study was conducted to examine these factors. The attempts to integrate CSE and ECM models and to assess their validity by explaining the usage behavior of online learners was effective. Most of the hypothesized relationships, proposed based on CSE and ECM theories, were supported. The implications of the finding from this research are important to college teaching. While instructions on web design are mainly focusing on technicality, other factors, such as computer efficacy and the level of expectation and confirmation are critical. This study's results are also of interest to e-learning system vendors who are anxious to improve the retention rate of their existing users. The results attest To solemnly declare verbally or in writing that a particular document or testimony about an event is a true and accurate representation of the facts; to bear witness to. To formally certify by a signature that the signer has been present at the execution of a particular writing so as to the importance of conducting a successful e-learning program by improving the confirmation experience that eventually leads to an increase in actual reuse. Understanding the source of IS continuance intention will help us design more effective e-learning systems. Future researchers may want to take a longitudinal lon·gi·tu·di·nal adj. Running in the direction of the long axis of the body or any of its parts. view to assess whether the IS continuance intention changes with time. Researchers who are interested in applying the proposed framework to other constructs are encouraged to repeat our research methods with subjects having different backgrounds. 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TSAI TSAI Transaction Systems Architects Inc St. Cloud State University, USA rjtsai@stcloudstate.edu CHARLIE C. CHEN Chen - Peter Chen Appalachian State University History Appalachian State University began in the summer of 1899 when a group of citizens of Watauga County, NC, under the leadership of D.D. Dougherty and B.B. Dougherty, began a movement to establish a good school in Boone, NC. Land was donated by D.B. , USA chench@appstate.edu YACHEN WU Tamkang University, Taiwan yachen@mail.im.tku.edu.tw
Table 1 Construct Validity
Item PU CI S C CSE
c2/df 3.92* N.A. 5.96 N.A. 4.55*
GFI 0.938* N.A. 0.807 N.A. 0.862
AGFI 0.854* N.A. 0.711 N.A. 0.783
NFI 0.972* N.A. 0.814 N.A. 0.902*
NNFI 0.964* N.A. 0.799 N.A. 0.896
CFI 0.979* N.A. 0.839 N.A. 0.919*
SRMSR 0.0212* N.A. 0.0753* N.A. 0.0436*
Legend: PU=Perceived Usefulness, CI=Continuance Intention, C=
Confirmation, S=Satisfaction, CSE=Computer Self-Efficacy
*Model fit: c2/df < 5, AGFI > 0.8, GFI, NFI, NNFI, CFI are all > 0.9,
SRMSR< 0.1
N.A. means the goodness-of-fit of the construct is acceptable. The p-
value of c2 is NOT less than 0.01.
Table 2 Correlation Matrix
IS
Perceived Continuance
Usefulness Intention Confirmation
Perceived 1.000 0.630(**) 0.794(**)
Usefulness
IS 0.630(**) 1.000 0.650(**)
Continuance
Intention
Confirmation 0.794(**) 0.650(**) 1.000
Computer 0.339(**) 0.169(*) 0.277(**)
Self-Efficacy
Satisfaction 0.782(**) 0.648(**) 0.821(**)
Average 27.2674 13.1497 13.0642
Standard 7.8022 2.2787 3.8627
derivations
Computer
Self-Efficacy Satisfaction
Perceived 0.339(**) 0.782(**)
Usefulness
IS 0.169(*) 0.648(**)
Continuance
Intention
Confirmation 0.277(**) 0.821(**)
Computer 1.000 0.384(**)
Self-Efficacy
Satisfaction 0.384(**) 1.000
Average 68.9733 50.2834
Standard 18.7136 8.9719
derivations
** p-value< 0.01, * p-value< 0.05
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