Predicting Factors Influencing the Actual Use of E-learning Platform Among Medical Students in the Philippines

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the acceptance of eLearning platforms in medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, using the latent variables from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and two additional variables derived from relevant literature. A total of $\mathbf{3 6 0}$ medical students participated by completing an online survey comprising 40 questions. The analysis, conducted using stepwise multiple linear regression, revealed that Performance Expectancy (PE), Habit (HB), and Instructor Characteristics (IC) were significant predictors of Actual Use (AU) with an accuracy of 54.22%. Higher levels of PE, HB, and IC were found to positively influence the acceptance and utilization of medical eLearning platforms. The findings from this study can provide valuable insights for the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines, aiding in the enhancement of eLearning platforms for medical education. Although this research primarily focused on UTAUT2 and two additional variables-Learning Value and Instructor Characteristicsthe results offer substantial implications for the broader development f eLearning platforms in the medical field.