Title: Self-efficacy and self-esteem in online learning environments of adult learners

Authors: Chang Zhu

Addresses: Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Abstract: This study examines two psychological aspects of adult learners which are related to the learning processes associated with online learning. In particular, the relationship between specific self-efficacy (computer and internet self-efficacy and self-efficacy in terms of online learning environments) and self-esteem in online learning of adult learners were investigated. The participants included 260 adult learners in Belgium who were following courses in Adult Education Centers and Employment Training Centers. Quantitative cross-sectional correlational research was conducted. The results show that there were no significant differences in terms of specific self-efficacy (computer and internet self-efficacy and self-efficacy in online learning environments) and to self-esteem in the online learning of adult learners with regard to their gender, age and educational levels. Among the influencing factors, the daily use of computers was found to have an effect on specific self-efficacy and self-esteem in such an environment. In addition, the findings indicate that specific self-efficacy was positively related to the self-esteem in online learning of adult learners.

Keywords: online education; computer and internet self-efficacy; online learning self-efficacy; self-esteem; adult education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2019.100610

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2019 Vol.14 No.1, pp.4 - 17

Published online: 05 Jul 2019 *

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