Factors affecting students' performance in web-based learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose This paper aims to identify and discuss factors affecting students' performance in web-based learning (WBL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative method to analyze data collected using an online structured questionnaire. Responses were gathered from undergraduate students (n = 270) studying engineering education at a university in Indonesia. A measurement analysis is used to validate the instruments, and structural equation modeling is used to examine the associations among constructs. Findings Attitude, anxiety and motivation affected students' performance in WBL. Motivation played an essential role in influencing WBL. The results also showed equal opportunities between men and women in WBL. Research limitations/implications This research may provide a foundation for future research designing WBL in higher education. This study provides valuable insights in policy formulation and an effective web-based e-learning design by considering students' personal characteristics potentially affecting WBL performance. Originality/value This study identifies factors influencing students' performance in WBL. Furthermore, it added students' genders to explore the moderating effect on the model.