Challenges and perceptions of e-learning for educational sustainability in the "new normality era"

Melinda Timea Fülöp; Teodora Odett Breaz; Ioan Dan Topor; Constantin Aurelian Ionescu; Larisa-Loredana Dragolea

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104633

Challenges and perceptions of e-learning for educational sustainability in the "new normality era"

Front Psychol. 2023 Jan 26:14:1104633. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104633. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Melinda Timea Fülöp¹, Teodora Odett Breaz², Ioan Dan Topor², Constantin Aurelian Ionescu³, Larisa-Loredana Dragolea²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
² Faculty of Economic Sciences, 1 Decembrie 1918 University, Alba Iulia, Romania.
³ Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, Targoviste, Romania.

Abstract

Background: All universities were faced with the challenges of e-learning when they suddenly had to switch to distance learning in March 2020 due to COVID-19 regulations. Several challenges may arise when implementing e-learning, including an insufficient budget or problems with adoption. Nevertheless, the role of digitalization is to ensure the university's long-term sustainability. Indeed, the future of e-learning depends on future generations, which increasingly accept new technologies.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the factors that stimulate university students' acceptance of technology.

Methodology: The study population comprised Romanian university students who took online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was employed to gather primary data. The surveys were distributed between January and February 2022. In particular, 1,875 questionnaires were received from students, who were the focus of this study (the results for teachers were presented in previous research). To process and interpret the data, the method of modeling with structural equations (SEM) was used. The data collected were processed using SPSS and AMOS.

Findings: The results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies.

Conclusion: The results linked e-learning satisfaction to academic success and Romanian students who utilized e-learning during the pandemic. In addition, the results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies. The results validated the basic variables of the TAM model.

Implications: The study presents a series of theoretical, practical, and societal implications that can guide universities in adopting sustainable development goals.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; digitalization; sustainability; technology acceptance model; universities.