Exploring Influential Factors on Students' E-learning in Chinese Higher Education

The purpose of this research is to explore the factors that influence university students' e-learning. In this study, a new model that involves factors in individual, institutional, and social levels was developed based on Planned Behavior Theory and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. This model was then used to examine students' perception of their e-learning practices. Data collection was conducted at a Chinese university in Peking via an online survey, and data analysis was carried out based on 319 student participants. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) has been applied to validate the new model. The results demonstrated that students' attitudes toward technology, ICT efficacy, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating interaction, ICT infrastructure, and social influence are critical influencing factors of the e-learning activity. Identifying these aspects is expected to support university administrators to create a better e-learning environment, teachers to design suitably technology-enabled courses, and students to develop good e-learning habits.