E-learning in formal education under forced conditions using SDT and TAM

This study aims to understand the students’ attitude towards e-learning under the forced environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study gives a fresh insight into e-learning, considering the lack of comprehensive research on the influencing variables that impact the user acceptance of e-learning by learners in the Indian Universities during COVID-19 pandemic. The rational model has been constituted based on the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to study the effective influence of Autonomy, Relatedness & Competency on the construct of TAM. The result showed significant relations of the self-determination variables with perceived ease of use & perceived usefulness, which further helps us establish a relationship between intrinsic & extrinsic factors of SDT framework with attitude and satisfaction level of Indian University students towards e-learning. This study will assist in bridging the gap between the understanding of organizations and actual factors impacting students’ learning process during the pandemic of COVID-19.