E-learning and sense of belonging: accounting students’ experiences across diverse South African universities

This study examined how structural and psychosocial differences across universities shape accounting students’ behavioural intention to use e-learning applications and their sense of belonging, as well as the interconnection between behavioural intention and a sense of belonging. Quantitative data were collected from accounting students at four South African universities using the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model to explain behavioural intention to use e-learning technology, while themes related to a sense of belonging were identified in qualitative data collected from the same students. The results revealed positive aspects of e-learning, such as greater enjoyment, while other students reported a lack of engagement and difficulties with self-motivation and building peer networks. Challenges identified include technological barriers, a lack of social integration, inadequate support for technical issues, and a lack of personalised attention. These aspects diminish students’ sense of belonging to the academic community. The study makes three main contributions to scholarship: firstly, it provides a contextually grounded analysis of students’ engagement with e-learning and their sense of belonging in accounting education; secondly, it provides insights which are relevant in other developing regions; and lastly, it identifies key barriers that contribute to the challenges inherent in e-learning.