Measuring Readiness of using Online Learning Platform among University Students During COVID-19 Outbreak using Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Abstract

During the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, the contactless of learning and teaching is suggested in preventing the spreading of the disease. Therefore, university taken initiative to implement online learning using digital platforms. However, a study need to carried out to assess the readiness of using online learning platform among university students to make sure all students can participate effectively. This study examined the readiness of students in participating for online learning. This study using questionnaire method to assess student readiness towards online learning method. The number of respondent is 150 students that have experience using online platform for learning activities. The underpinning theory is Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study using structural equation modelling to examine relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. Result shows the internal reliability index namely Cronbach alpha is larger than 0.7 for measurement model. In addition, the convergent validity, Average Variance Extracted (AVE) is larger than 0.5 for measurement model. Furthermore, Construct Reliability (CR) is above 0.9 for measurement model. Three types of indexes meet the requirement to prove measurement model is reliable. Next, the structural model indicates the beta value for Perceived Usefulness (PU) is significant at value of 0.37, Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) is significant at value of 0.39, and System Quality (SQ) is significant at value of 0.36. The R-squared value is 0.59 that indicates all independent variables are significant to explains 59% of variance in student readiness towards online learning. As a conclusion, in developing better readiness of online learning among students, the three variables need to be focus to achieve better learning experience in university level. The finding of this study will add to the body of knowledge of online learning literature. Furthermore, this study provides significant insight for university in designing policy and facilities for the online learning platform.