Applying Path Analysis Model in Explaining the Factors Affecting the Quality and Usefulness of E-Learning: The Students’ Perspective

Abstract

Background: E-learning is considered as one of the most important learning environments and the efforts and experiences of this type of learning have been studied and implemented in many countries. The purpose of this study is the application of path analysis model in explaining the factors affecting the quality and usefulness of e-learning through the student's perspective. Methods: The research method is descriptive-correlation through using path analysis. The statistical population of the study consisted of 110 students of virtual courses of Payame Noor University (2018-2019); The questionnaire was provided to all of them through census and 70 students was answered and filled in the questionnaire. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data and the reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was obtained through Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and validity was verified by 10 experts. Also, the validity was assessed through the internal consistency method which showed 0.87. Results: The findings of the path analysis indicated that the quality factor of the type of technology with a coefficient of influence of 0.59 had the most effect on the quality and usefulness of the education from the students perspective (P=0.001) and Content agent with an impact coefficient of 0.26 indirectly affected on the quality and usefulness of e-learning (P=0.021). Also learning methods with coefficient (0.51) directly affected on the quality and usefulness of e-learning (0.51=β). The teacher agent with coefficient0.27 has indirectly influenced on the quality and usefulness of e-learning. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, virtual education planners need to pay attention to the factors affecting the quality of courses.