The Development and Adoption of Online Learning in Pre- and Post-COVID-19: Combination of Technological System Evolution Theory and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology

Ping Qiao, Xiaoman Zhu, Yangzhi Guo, Ying Sun and Chuan Qin
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Ping Qiao: School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Xiaoman Zhu: Business School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 201101, Australia
Yangzhi Guo: Business School, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Ying Sun: Law School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 201101, Australia
Chuan Qin: Business School, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia

JRFM, 2021, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: After the outbreak of COVID-19, schools heavily depend on e-learning technologies and tools to shift from in-person class to online. This review article analyzes the changes of technology evolution and technology adoption of e-learning in pre- and post-COVID-19 based on the Technology System Evaluation Theory (TSET) and technology adoption of e-learning based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). We intend to explore the interaction of technology evolution and technology adoption in the different focus of e-learning technology in the two stages and the particularity and heterogeneity of the UTAUT model. The results indicate that (1) The moderating results of technology evolution are proposed and evaluated under the UTAUT model before the COVID-19 outbreak. Studies after the COVID-19 pandemic paid more attention to technology efficiency rather than effectiveness; (2) Research on e-learning focuses on the infrastructure to reach more users after the outbreak of COVID-19 because e-learning is the only way to continue education; (3) COVID-19 fear moderates the relationship between the external factors and the behavior intention of e-learning users. The lack of financial support on technology evolution will directly weaken the implementation of new technology. Social Isolation offers more opportunities for students to engage in e-learning. Meanwhile, it slows down the implementation of e-learning because of out-to-date hardware and software. This article offers an enhanced understanding of the interaction of technology evolution and technology adoption under unexpected environments and provides practical insights into how to promote new technology in a way that users will accept and use easily. This study can be tested and extended by empirical research in the future.

Keywords: COVID-19; education; e-learning; technology system evaluation theory (TSET); TRIZ; unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C E F2 F3 G (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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