Influence of online learning skills in cyberspace

• Published in: Internet research 2010-01, Vol.20 (1), p.55-71
• Main Authors: Ho, Li-An, Kuo, Tsung-Hsien, Lin, Binshan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 21st century; Adult Basic Education; Adult learning; Adult students; Attitudes; Classrooms; Cooperative learning; Course Content; Distance learning; Education; Educational Environment; Educational objectives; Educational Resources; Educational technology; Electronic Learning; Electronic media; Hypotheses; Influence; Internet; Learning; Learning Processes; Learning Strategies; Motivation; Online instruction; Perceptions; Quality; Research methodology; School environment; Skill Development; Skills; Socialization; Student Attitudes; Student Behavior; Students; Studies; Success; Teaching methods
• ISSN: 1066-2243; 2054-5657
• DOI: 10.1108/10662241011020833

Purpose - This study aims to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among e-learning system quality, e-learning readiness, e-learners' competency as well as learning outcomes, and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of e-learning system quality and e-learning readiness on learning outcomes from the perspectives of e-learners' competency.Design methodology approach - A questionnaire was distributed to 379 full-time employees from ten technological companies in Taiwan who have had e-learning experience (n=379). Data were analyzed by employing structural equation modeling.Findings - Results reveal that both e-learning system quality and e-learning readiness have a direct and significant impact on e-learners' competency. However, e-learning system quality and e-learning readiness influence learning outcomes indirectly through e-learners' competency. In addition, e-learners' competency has direct and positive significant influence on learning outcomes.Practical implications - Based on these findings, organizations in Taiwan that would like to implement e-learning with their employees should focus on improving individuals' online learning skills such as self-direction, meta-cognitive, and collaborative skills.Originality value - The findings created an understanding of what attributes of external and internal factors influence the outcome of e-learning in high tech companies. In terms of research contributions, the study extends previous researches by identifying the mediating effect of e-learning competency on the relationship between e-learning system quality, e-learning readiness and learning outcome. Organizations that would like to adopt e-learning to improve employees' knowledge and skills will be able to apply strategies based on the findings from the research.