Using online English learning resources: utilitarian and hedonic perspectives

Abstract

Purpose

This study intended to identify and categorize the drivers of using online English learning resources (OELR) and to understand OELR's impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey, obtained complete responses from 157 OELR users and used structural equation modeling (SEM) for hypothesis testing.

Findings

Most utilitarian and hedonic drivers lead to positive perceptions of OELR, which in turn positively contribute to continuance intention (CI). Two counterintuitive findings were obtained. First, functionality was negatively related to the perception of ease of use. Second, perceived ease of use (PEOU) was not related to CI to use OELR.

Practical implications

This study has implications as follows: (1) complexity of the functions of OELR may deter rather than attract users, (2) ease of use of OELR is not directly positively related to CIs and (3) users may seek practical benefits (utilitarian) and experiential learning processes (hedonic) when using OELR.

Originality/value

The authors' study has theoretical significance by being the first to caution that excessive functionality or complexity in assisting learning tools would likely hinder further use of OELR. The practical significance of this finding is that the finding highlights two factors (perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived enjoyment) that could effectively increase OELR use.

Citation

Tseng, F.-C., Liu, P.-H.E., Cheng, T.C.E. and Teng, C.-I. (2024), "Using online English learning resources: utilitarian and hedonic perspectives", Online Information Review, Vol. 48 No. 1, pp. 187-208. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-03-2022-0157