| Literature DB >> 35814807 |
Yusufu Gambo1, Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir1.
Abstract
The increasing development in smart and mobile technologies transforms a learning environment into a smart learning environment that can support diverse learning styles and skills development. An online learner needs to be supported for an engaging and active learning experience. Previously, this progressive research developed and implemented a self-regulated smart learning environment (mobile app) among final-year undergraduate students to support online learning experiences. To understand students' experiences, there is a need to evaluate the mobile app. However, there is a lack of a well-documented study investigating students' experiences in terms of usability, challenges, and factors influencing satisfaction to inform a decision regarding future implementation. This study attempts to fill these gaps by exploring these experiences for sustainable future implementation. The study used cyclical mixed-method evaluations to explore the experiences of 85 final-year undergraduate students. The quantitative data were collected using a survey on the constructs of the research model previously developed to evaluate factors influencing students' satisfaction, and the qualitative used focus group discussions to explore usability experiences and challenges of implementations. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 25 to confirm the structural equation model's relationship. The qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic process to understand students' experiences. The findings from the first mixed-method evaluation show that students were able to follow the learning process, and the application supported their online learning experiences. However, a student expressed the need to improve user functionalities to motivate and engage them in the learning process. The suggestions were incorporated into the mobile app development for the second evaluation. The findings from the second evaluation revealed similar support. However, students suggested a web-based version to support different operating systems and improve interactions. Furthermore, the information system qualities and moderating factors investigated supported students' satisfaction. Future research could explore facilitators' experiences in the mobile app for sustainable development and implementation for engaging online learning experiences and skills development.Entities:
Keywords: Mixed-method; Mobile app; Online learning; Self-regulated learning; Smart learning environment
Year: 2022 PMID: 35814807 PMCID: PMC9250996 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-022-11126-0
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Educ Inf Technol (Dordr) ISSN: 1360-2357
Fig. 1Sign up
Fig. 2Goal selection
Fig. 3Login
Fig. 4Learning resources
Fig. 5Help-seeking
Fig. 6Help-seeking
Fig. 7Assessment table
Fig. 8Learning reflection
Fig. 9Model for evaluating self-regulated smart learning environment
The categorization of the dimensions and associated constructs
| Dimension | Constructs |
|---|---|
| Personal | Self‑efficacy, motivation, instincts, drives, traits, wisdom, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, self-perception, goals, intentions, and other motivational forces within the individual (Berkeley et al., |
| Behavioural | Time management, learning strategies, goal setting, help-seeking, and reflection (Berkeley et al., |
| Environmental | Family members, friends, tutors, and colleagues. size of a room, the ambient temperature, or the availability of resources (Berkeley et al., |
| Information Quality | Readable, accuracy, relevance & completeness (Awang et al., |
| System Quality | Response time, ease of use, user interface usability, responsiveness, adaptability & reliability (Awang et al., |
| Service Quality | Knowledge, empathy, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the software and support from the facilitator and peers (Devi et al., |
| User Satisfaction | Information system service, quality & system in terms of usefulness, support, and effectiveness (Berkeley et al., |
Respondents characteristics
| Demographic | Frequency | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Male | 65 | 76.47 |
| Female | 20 | 23.53 |
| Age | ||
| 18–25 | 16 | 18.82 |
| 26–30 | 36 | 42.35 |
| 31–35 | 10 | 11.77 |
| 36–40 | 15 | 17.65 |
| 41 & above | 8 | 9.41 |
| Level of self-regulated learning experiences | ||
| Very Low | 0 | 0.00 |
| Low | 1 | 1.18 |
| Medium | 30 | 35.29 |
| High | 37 | 43.52 |
| Very High | 17 | 20.00 |
Descriptive analysis of the constructs
| Construct | Mean | Standard deviation | Cronbach's alpha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavior Factor (BF): | 4.082 | 0.802 | 0.868 |
| Personal Factor (PF): | 4.106 | 0.730 | 0.748 |
| Environment Factor (EF) | 4.041 | 0.810 | 0.851 |
| System Quality (SQ) | 4.054 | 0.855 | 0.854 |
| Information Quality (IQ) | 4.103 | 0.796 | 0.798 |
| Service Quality (ServQ) | 4.016 | 0.826 | 0.772 |
| User Satisfaction (US) | 4.067 | 0.857 | 0.828 |
Model fit indices
| Fit index | Recommended value | Measurement model | Structural model |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFI | > 0.90 | 0.976 | 0.976 |
| GFI | > 0.90 | 0.913 | 0.914 |
| AGFI | > 0.80 | 0.804 | 0.804 |
| RMSEA | < 0.08 | 0.047 | 0.047 |
| RMSR | < 0.10 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| NFI | > 0.90 | 0.942 | 0.942 |
CFI, Comparative fit index; GFI, Goodness-of-fit index; AGFI, Adjusted goodness-of-fit; RMSEA, Root mean square error of approximation; RMSR, Root say squared residuals; NFI, Normed fit index
Composite reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and factor correlation matrix
| CR | AVE | MSV | ASV | ServQ | PF | IQ | BF | EF | SQ | US | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServQ | 0.802 | 0.616 | 0.510 | 0.434 | 0.785 | ||||||
| PF | 0.868 | 0.667 | 0.597 | 0.478 | 0.801 | 0.817 | |||||
| IQ | 0.894 | 0.637 | 0.587 | 0.407 | 0.733 | 0.701 | 0.798 | ||||
| BF | 0.829 | 0.656 | 0.551 | 0.444 | 0.805 | 0.800 | 0.801 | 0.810 | |||
| EF | 0.824 | 0.676 | 0.610 | 0.428 | 0.765 | 0.755 | 0.715 | 0.725 | 0.822 | ||
| SQ | 0.821 | 0.701 | 0.618 | 0.408 | 0.786 | 0.757 | 0.786 | 0.616 | 0.749 | 0.837 | |
| US | 0.828 | 0.617 | 0.616 | 0.429 | 0.624 | 0.765 | 0.785 | 0.689 | 0.775 | 0.527 | 0.785 |
Fig. 10SEM analysis showing path coefficients, significance, and R.2
Structural model and hypothesis testing
| Hypothesis | Path | Estimate | P-value | Significance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | User Satisfaction | < –- | System Quality | 0.50 | *** | S |
| H2 | User Satisfaction | < –- | Service Quality | -0.18 | *** | S |
| H3 | User Satisfaction | < –- | Information Quality | 0.86 | *** | S |
| H4 | System Quality | < –- | Behavioural | 0.09 | 0.14 | NS |
| H5 | Service Quality | < –- | Behavioural | 0.77 | 0.57 | NS |
| H6 | Information Quality | < –- | Behavioural | 1.00 | 0.04 | NS |
| H7 | System Quality | < –- | Environmental | 0.20 | *** | S |
| H8 | Service Quality | < –- | Environmental | 0.60 | *** | S |
| H9 | Information Quality | < –- | Environmental | 0.90 | 0.20 | NS |
| H10 | System Quality | < –- | Personal | 0.40 | 0.20 | S |
| H11 | Service Quality | < –- | Personal | 0.40 | *** | S |
| H12 | Information Quality | < –- | Personal | -0.80 | *** | S |
NS, Non-significant relationship; S, A significant relationship
Respondents characteristics
| Demographic | Frequency | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Male | 54 | 63.53 |
| Female | 31 | 36.47 |
| Age | ||
| 18–25 | 14 | 16.57 |
| 26–30 | 21 | 24.71 |
| 31–35 | 24 | 28.24 |
| 36–40 | 19 | 22.35 |
| 41 & above | 7 | 8.24 |
| Level of self-regulated learning experiences | ||
| Very Low | 2 | 2.35 |
| Low | 6 | 7.06 |
| Medium | 25 | 29.41 |
| High | 40 | 47.06 |
| Very High | 12 | 14.11 |
Descriptive analysis of the constructs
| Construct | Mean | Standard deviation | Cronbach's alpha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavior Factor (BF): | 4.212 | 0.932 | 0.929 |
| Personal Factor (PF): | 4.18 | 0.932 | 0.849 |
| Environment Factor (EF) | 4.23 | 0.947 | 0.894 |
| System Quality (SQ) | 4.25 | 0.955 | 0.888 |
| Information Quality (IQ) | 4.18 | 0.952 | 0.905 |
| Service Quality (ServQ) | 4.24 | 0.963 | 0.871 |
| User Satisfaction (US) | 4.27 | 0.982 | 0.927 |
Model fit indices
| Fit index | Recommended value | Measurement model | Structural model |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFI | > 0.90 | 0.926 | 0.926 |
| GFI | > 0.90 | 0.917 | 0.915 |
| AGFI | > 0.80 | 0.842 | 0.848 |
| RMSEA | < 0.08 | 0.077 | 0.076 |
| RMSR | < 0.10 | 0.036 | 0.036 |
| NFI | > 0.90 | 0.932 | 0.930 |
CFI, Comparative fit index; GFI, Goodness-of-fit index; AGFI, Adjusted goodness-of-fit; RMSEA, Root mean square error of approximation; RMSR, Root say squared residuals; NFI, Normed fit index
Composite reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and factor correlation matrix
| CR | AVE | MSV | ASV | ServQ | PF | IQ | BF | EF | SQ | US | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ | 0.905 | 0.931 | 0.704 | 0.915 | 0.965 | ||||||
| BF | 0.929 | 1.055 | 0.723 | 0.930 | 0.890 | 1.027 | |||||
| PF | 0.848 | 1.082 | 0.651 | 0.854 | 0.952 | 1.006 | 1.040 | PF | |||
| EF | 0.892 | 1.055 | 0.673 | 0.895 | 0.906 | 1.027 | 0.991 | 1.027 | |||
| SQ | 0.885 | 1.082 | 0.660 | 0.898 | 0.965 | 0.985 | 1.040 | 1.018 | 1.040 | ||
| ServQ | 0.874 | 0.947 | 0.699 | 0.875 | 0.964 | 0.913 | 0.941 | 0.923 | 0.973 | 0.973 | ServQ |
| US | 0.930 | 0.933 | 0.816 | 0.935 | 0.897 | 0.886 | 0.966 | 0.867 | 0.917 | 0.818 | 0.966 |
Fig. 11SEM analysis showing path coefficients, significance, and R2
Structural model and hypothesis testing
| Hypothesis | Path | Estimate | P-value | Significance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | User Satisfaction | < –- | System Quality | 1.7 | 0.01 | NS |
| H2 | User Satisfaction | < –- | Service Quality | -0.90 | *** | S |
| H3 | User Satisfaction | < –- | Information Quality | 0.38 | 0.16 | NS |
| H4 | System Quality | < –- | Behavior | 0.85 | *** | S |
| H5 | Service Quality | < –- | Behavior | 0.70 | 0.37 | NS |
| H6 | Information Quality | < –- | Behavior | 0.60 | 0.45 | NS |
| H7 | System Quality | < –- | Environment | 0.57 | *** | S |
| H8 | Service Quality | < –- | Environment | 0.67 | *** | S |
| H9 | Information Quality | < –- | Environment | 0.47 | *** | S |
| H10 | System Quality | < –- | Personal | 0.63 | *** | S |
| H11 | Service Quality | < –- | Personal | 0.19 | *** | S |
| H12 | Information Quality | < –- | Personal | 0.78 | *** | S |
NS, Non-significant relationship, S, A significant relationship
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [1] I set a goal of a self-regulated smart learning environment to help me manage the learning process | |||||
| [2] I use specific learning content in a self-regulated smart learning environment to reinforce my learning process | |||||
| [3] I seek help from peers or facilitators to help me make progress | |||||
| [4] I set time to achieve my learning goal in a self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| [5] I monitor and reflect on my learning progress in the self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [6] I have self-efficiency to achieve my personal learning goal in the self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| [7] I have a self-believe in achieving learning progress in the self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| [8] I am motivated to use a self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [9] I receive support from peers and facilitators in learning in the self-regulated smart learning environment | |||||
| [10] Although we don't have to attend daily classes, I still try to distribute my studying time evenly across days | |||||
| [11] The feedback I received on learning progress in the self-regulated smart learning environment is motivating | |||||
| [12] I used my smart mobile devices for learning at any time | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [13] the self-regulated smart learning environment is available most of the time | |||||
| [14] the self-regulated smart learning environment is highly reliable with minimal downtime | |||||
| [15] The response time of a self-regulated smart learning environment is easy to use | |||||
| [16] The user interface in a self-regulated smart learning environment is interactive and friendly | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [17] Overall, information displayed from a self-regulated smart learning environment is complete | |||||
| [18] Overall, the information displayed from a self-regulated smart learning environment is readable | |||||
| [19] Overall, the information I get from the self-regulated smart learning environment is accurate | |||||
| [20] Overall, the information from the self-regulated smart learning environment is relevant | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [21] The self-regulated smart learning environment is available anytime for learning | |||||
| [22] The self-regulated smart learning environment has a fast processing time | |||||
| [23] The support in a self-regulated smart learning environment helpful for learning | |||||
| Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| [24] Overall, the service in a self-regulated smart learning environment is satisfied | |||||
| [25] Overall, the information displayed in the self-regulated smart learning environment is satisfied | |||||
| [26] Overall, the quality of a self-regulated smart learning environment is satisfied |