If I Upload it, will They Come? using Lazy User Theory to Explain Student Use of Optional Online Learning Resources

Abstract

Instructors are encouraged to provide a rich array of complementary learning resources to students to cater to their different learning styles. More and more of these resources are being made available online. The way students choose amongst different optional learning resources is poorly understood. The paper reports the findings of a study that examined differences in student perceptions of different web-based learning support services such as groupware and online courses. Based on a sample of 55 undergraduate business school students in an e-commerce major, the findings indicate that effort minimization strongly influences student use of administrative services but less so more learning related services. The results have important implications for trainers and teachers involved in the design and implementation of web based learning resources and services.

Keywords: Learning resources, learning management system, lazy user theory, technology acceptance model