Key to Digital Learning Materials Adoption in Higher Education: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Access Ease

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FORMOSA NEWS

A recent study published in August 2026 by a team of researchers from the Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, State University of Malang—led by Fuad Abdul Fattah along with Ika Zutiasari, Iva Khoiril Mala, Cahya Distina, and Anastasya Putri Ima Oktavia—dissects the determinants of digital learning material acceptance in higher education environments. This research is crucial amid the wave of digital transformation in higher education, where a deep understanding of students' technology adoption patterns determines the success of modern learning transitions.

Massive technological developments have shifted the higher education landscape from conventional methods to digitally integrated systems, including the provision of teaching materials such as e-books, instructional videos, virtual laboratories, and learning management systems. Although digital facilities are increasingly abundant, major challenges often stem from the varying levels of readiness and acceptance among students themselves.

To examine this phenomenon, the research team used a quantitative approach involving 116 active student respondents from two state universities in Indonesia: State University of Malang and Sebelas Maret University. Data analysis was performed using multivariate statistical techniques to test causal relationships among variables within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) combined with self-efficacy factors.

The main findings of this study include several key points:

• Self-Efficacy Impact: Student self-efficacy proved to have a significant positive influence on the perceived ease of use ($p = 0.001$) and perceived usefulness of digital learning materials ($p = 0.009$).
• Ease Factor: Perceived ease of use directly and positively influences students' positive attitudes toward utilizing digital learning technology ($p = 0.006$).
• Usefulness Factor: Perceived usefulness did not show a significant influence on student attitudes ($p = 0.072$), indicating that operational ease dominates the formation of initial user attitudes.
• Usage Intention: Positive attitudes toward technology proved to drive an increase in students' intentions to consistently use digital learning materials ($p = 0.000$).

These findings provide strategic implications for higher education institutions and curriculum developers. According to the researchers from the State University of Malang, institutional managers must prioritize ease of access and operation when designing digital platforms, as this ease serves as the main gateway for fostering positive student attitudes before they experience long-term benefits.

Author Profiles

• Fuad Abdul Fattah, Ika Zutiasari, Iva Khoiril Mala, Cahya Distina, and Anastasya Putri Ima Oktavia – Researchers from the Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, State University of Malang, with expertise in educational management, consumer behavior, and digital technology adoption in higher education.

Research Source

• Article Title: Investigating Digital Learning Materials Acceptance Through Self-Efficacy and the Technology Acceptance Model
• Journal Name: Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA), Vol. 5 No. 3, August 2026, pp. 734-751
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i3.43
• URL: https://journaljeda.my.id/index.php/jeda