Determinants of future preference for e-learning and its implications: A study with Malaysian business students

Abstract

To mitigate adverse consequences of campus closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many higher education institutions shifted from traditional to one hundred percent e-learning overnight. This study aims to identify salient determinants of business undergraduates' future preferences for e-learning and discuss its implications. 251 business undergraduates from a private university in Malaysia participated in an online survey conducted in July 2020, during campus closure. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis to empirically identify salient determinants of future preference for e-learning. Multiple regression results inferred that the two most significant determinants of business undergraduates' future preference for e-learning were the disadvantages of e-learning, followed by learning outcomes. Limitations of this study include: (1) the survey was carried out in July 2020 when all courses were conducted using one hundred percent e-learning for the first time; (2) some salient determinants may not be captured because literature on e-learning during Covid-19 is evolving rapidly; and (3) the findings are not generalisable to other contexts. E-learning, whether in the form of one hundred percent e-learning or hybrid learning, is expected to be the new norm post-pandemic. As such, a better understanding of the determinants of business undergraduates' future preference for e-learning will enable stakeholders to overcome barriers to e-learning and improve learning outcomes.