Teacher beliefs about online learning during COVID-19: an application of the UTAUT2 model

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher perceptions of online learning during the first global wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has three objectives: a) determine the extent to which the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model (Venkatesh et al., 2012) appropriately distinguishes and represents the factors that influence teacher perceptions of teaching online; b) understand teacher beliefs about online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; and c) identify demographic and contextual elements that influence the use of online methods for teaching. The study adopted a mixed methods design, employing quantitative correlational analysis and qualitative thematic analysis. Participants included an international sample of 311 teachers, representing three demographic groups: teaching level, teaching institution, and workplace region. Five corresponding open-ended questions specific to COVID-19 experiences were included. A confirmatory factor analysis tested internal consistency and reliability, and a comparative means analysis investigated population differences. Qualitative methods employed thematic analysis to explain effects in the model latent factors. Research findings indicated the UTAUT2 model demonstrated a good fit with strong internal reliability, although strong correlation between factors suggests a degree of multicollinearity. Latent factor elements are perceived as multilayered constructs that reveal complex relationships within a teaching context. Demographic elements were shown to influence substantial differences between sample populations in their perception of key UTAUT2 latent factors. Implication of findings could influence the development of online learning policy; inform practices that best represent online learning management; and reflect the sociocultural beliefs of the teaching populations.