User satisfaction, continuance intention, and net benefits
Previous research has found that individuals who are less satisfied with their experiences are less likely to enroll in future e-learning courses (Lim, 2001; Carswell & Venkatesh, 2002). Similarly, Wang (2003) found a positive relationship between e-learner satisfaction score and the reuse intention of the e-learning systems. Expectation Confirmation theory states that IS continuance intention is positively correlated with satisfaction. A number of research studies on IS satisfaction indicate that IS satisfaction directly effects intention to use and actual use (Davis et al. 1989; Karahanna et al. 1999; Taylor & Todd, 1995). Hayashi et al. (2004) found that the higher the satisfaction level with initial use end users have, the higher their continuance intention in using the virtual learning environments. Liaw (2008) conducted a study to understand how to improve e-learning satisfaction, behavioral intention, and to enhance learning effectiveness on 424 university students in Taiwan. The results of the study showed that perceived satisfaction contribute to the learner’s behavioral intention to use the Blackboard e-learning system. For this study, the relationship between user satisfaction and continuance intention can be tested via the following hypothesis: