ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research is to develop a model that clarifies the role of personality traits, motivation, and lifelong learning in the context of distance learning. Specifically, the current study hypothesis that personality traits of extroversion, agreeableness, consciousness, neuroticism, and openness correlate significantly with individuals' attitudinal-behavioral disposition of motivation, which would also impact lifelong learning. Due to the dynamic process of learning foreign languages and the belief that fluency in other languages offers economic benefits and practical applications, foreign language learning provides a suitable context for the present study. Therefore, we hypothesize that individuals who learn foreign languages are also the most likely to engage in lifelong learning. In addition, the data is collected by the fully online learning system as a result of the Covid 19 disease's spread. This makes the study even more meaningful to the study of online learning and distance education. In the present study, seven latent variables are developed and tested, totaling 45 measurement items. The survey is conducted to 200 undergraduates from east Malaysia, and only students currently enrolled in foreign language courses will be chosen as respondents. The PLS-SEM will be used to analyzing the data, and we employ two-stage approach for data analysis: (i) measurement model and (ii) analysis of the structural model. The work will provide critical information and practical contributions in line with the Malaysia National Higher Education Strategic Plan—promoting the culture of lifelong learning in on-line context. © 2022 Association for Computing Machinery.
ABSTRACT
Objective: COVID-19 has brought many challenges to college campuses. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed depression, coping, and past 30-day health risk behaviors of college students attending a mid-sized liberal arts university in Florida. Methods: We sent a survey link to all undergraduates. The data, which included depression scores (PHQ-9), coping techniques (Brief COPE), health risk behaviors (alcohol and vape use) and demographics were collected approximately 40 days after the university transitioned from face-to-face to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used descriptive and regression analyses using SPSS to analyze data. Results: A total 45.6% of the respondents (N = 759) self-reported moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 mean = 9.96, SD = 6.2). Students indicated positive and negative coping strategies. Alcohol and vape use increased with higher depressive symptoms scores (p < 0.01). Seniors had a greater odds of alcohol consumption (p < .01);however, freshmen and juniors had greater odds of vape use. Our data revealed some opportunities for positive behavior change. Conclusion: The online transition did modify students' behaviors. Students who self-reported depressive symptoms were most vulnerable to adopting greater risk behaviors. These students require ongoing monitoring and resources. Colleges should implement rapid assessment of students' depressive status and risk behaviors during volatile times.