Examining students' acceptance of the large‐scale HyFlex course: An empirical study

Abstract

The HyFlex course has been widely adopted in higher education settings. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies examining students' acceptance of large‐scale HyFlex courses, as well as factors influencing their acceptance. To fill this research gap, the present study investigated students' acceptance of a large‐scale HyFlex course and the variations in their acceptance according to different participation modes (ie, on‐site, synchronously online and mixed attendance), based on a total of 160 valid samples from a large‐scale HyFlex course at a normal university in central China during the fall semester of 2022. The results indicated that students' overall HyFlex course acceptance was generally high, and the students who alternately engaged in on‐site and synchronously online learning had the highest level of acceptance. Furthermore, this study employed structural equation modelling to validate a model integrating the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology with connected classroom climate (CCC). The findings showed that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and CCC directly influenced students' acceptance, with performance expectancy having the strongest direct effect. However, social influence only had an indirect effect on students' acceptance, while CCC had both direct and indirect effects. This study carries substantial theoretical and practical implications, enhancing our understanding of students' acceptance of the HyFlex learning approach.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The adoption of the HyFlex course, especially in the context of large‐scale courses, is prevalent in higher education settings. Existing studies have predominately focused on assessing the impact of HyFlex course on student engagement and learning outcomes, the development and implementation of HyFlex course structures, and educators' perspectives and experiences with HyFlex courses. Although some research has delved into students' satisfaction with HyFlex courses, particularly in small class settings, our understanding of students' acceptance of large‐scale HyFlex course remains limited. There has been a noticeable gap in investigations exploring distinctions among students who opt for varying HyFlex course delivery modes, such as on‐site, synchronously online and mixed attendance formats. What this paper adds This study reveals that students generally displayed a high level of acceptance towards the large‐scale HyFlex course. Notably, students who participated in alternating on‐site and synchronously online learning exhibited a significantly higher level of acceptance towards the HyFlex course compared to their counterparts. A novel approach was employed in this study by integrating the UTAUT model with the concept of connected classroom climate (CCC) to comprehensively explore the key influencing factors and their interrelationships regarding students' acceptance of a large‐scale HyFlex course. The study found that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC) and CCC were all significant factors that positively influenced students' acceptance of the HyFlex course. Particularly, PE emerged as the factor with the strongest direct impact on HyFlex course acceptance (ACP). Interestingly, social influence (SI) did not exhibit a significant direct effect on students' ACP. However, it had a significant and positive indirect effect on students' ACP through the mediation of PE. Furthermore, CCC was shown to have both direct and indirect effects on students' acceptance of the HyFlex course, with the indirect effect of CCC on ACP accounted for nearly half of the total effect. Implications for practice and/or policy Instructors should prioritize emphasizing the advantages and benefits of HyFlex courses to enhance students' motivation and willingness to participate actively in these courses. This may involve showcasing how HyFlex course offer flexibility, convenience and varied learning opportunities. When implementing HyFlex courses, instructors should work to mitigate students' perceived EE. This could be achieved through streamlining course navigation, ensuring user‐friendly technology tools and providing clear guidelines for participation. Simultaneously, efforts should be made to enhance perceived learning support to facilitate students' engagement and acceptance of HyFlex courses. Instructors in HyFlex course settings should place a strong emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. This involves fostering interactions among students, encouraging peer‐to‐peer support and providing resources and guidance to help students navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by HyFlex course formats. Building a sense of community and connectedness among students can significantly impact their acceptance and success in such courses.