An empirical study on behavioural intention to reuse e‐learning systems in rural China
Authors: Li Yan , Duan Yanqing , Fu Zetian , Alford Philip 
Published: December 2011

The learner's acceptance of e‐learning systems has received extensive attention in prior studies, but how their experience of using e‐learning systems impacts on their behavioural intention to reuse those systems has attracted limited research. As the applications of e‐learning are still gaining momentum in developing countries, such as China, it is necessary to examine the relationships between e‐learners' experience and perceptions and their behavioural intention to reuse, because it is argued that system reuse is an important indicator of the system's success. Therefore, a better understanding of the multiple factors affecting the e‐learner's intention to reuse could help e‐learning system researchers and providers to develop more effective and acceptable e‐learning systems. Underpinned by the information system success model, technology acceptance model and self‐efficacy theory, a theoretical framework was developed to investigate the learner's behavioural intention to reuse e‐learning systems. A total of 280 e‐learners were surveyed to validate the measurements and proposed research model. The results demonstrated that e‐learning service quality, course quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and self‐efficacy had direct effects on users' behavioural intention to reuse. System functionality and system response have an indirect effect, but system interactivity had no significant effect. Furthermore, self‐efficacy affected perceived ease of use that positively influenced perceived usefulness.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Internet has provided great opportunities for continuous education through e‐learning in rural areas of China.

Many factors affect initial e‐learning adoption.

Limited attentions have been paid to examine the relationships between e‐learners' experience and perceptions and their behavioural intention to reuse e‐learning systems, which is an important indicator of the system's success.

What this paper adds

A first attempt to study how e‐learners' experience and perceptions affect their intention to reuse e‐learning systems in the context of rural education in China.

Proposed and validated a hybrid model underpinned by information systems success model, technology acceptance model and self‐efficacy theory.

An effective model to explain the relationships between contributing factors and their effect on behavioural intention of users to reuse an e‐learning system.

Identified key factors and the extent of their impact on e‐learning system reuse that will enable e‐learning providers to be more focused with their effort and work more effectively on future improvement.

Implications for practice and/or policy

It is essential for system designers to use appropriate system features and functions that can effectively facilitate the teaching and learning processes and outcomes.

As the course quality significantly affects the learner's intention to reuse an e‐learning system, pedagogical principles, including principles of developing and structuring the course content, should be employed in the development and evaluation of relevant curriculum. E‐learning content developed for learners in rural areas of China must be practical and relevant to learners' personal development goals and work requirements, so the learners can benefit from the learning outcomes and improve their work performance eventually.

A perfectly designed e‐learning system will only work well with appropriate e‐learning service. Human interaction as an important part of services must not be underestimated and eliminated.

As perceived ease of use has a strong impact on e‐learning success, e‐learning providers in China must consider the low education level of people living in rural areas and take effective measures to improve the ease of use.