Online Learning Self-Efficacy of Adult Learners
Abstract: While online learning is becoming prosperous in postsecondary institutions, the problem of high attribution cannot be overlooked. Self-efficacy plays an important role in this issue. Whether or not students believe they have the ability to do a task successfully can have influence on their online learning behavior such as achievement, satisfaction and performance. Educators therefore need to realize the causes of different levels of self- efficacy, the effects of self- efficacy, and the interventions of improving self-efficacy. Research results indicate that the level of self-efficacy is mostly influenced by computer anxiety, computer experience, Internet experience, prior online learning experience, outcome expectation, stress of Internet use, and self-disparagement. Self-efficacy has impact on students’ performance, satisfaction, participation, and final exam, but not on final grade. Efficacy-enhancing notes, outward design support system, online conference, and online tutoring system are proved to be effective interventions.