Table 1 Factor analysis of the questionnaire used in this study

The role of instructors (KMO = 0.92, Bartlett test ofsphericity: χ2(105) = 1715.70, p < 0.00, total varianceexplained = 67.19%)

Instructor support (4)

The course goals/objectives were clearly outlined

.70

I knew what I was expected to accomplish eachweek

.79

The instructors provided clear instructions forassignments and quizzes

.78

The courses provided relevant resources

.58

Instructor-student interaction (7)

The feedback on the assignments was helpful

.59

I felt that I could ask any questions regarding thecourse materials to the instructors

.67

The instructors encouraged me to become activelyinvolved in the course discussions

.61

The instructors provided me feedback on my workthrough comments

.72

I was able to interact with the instructors during thecourse discussions

.73

The instructors treated me individually

.70

The instructors informed me about my progressperiodically

.68

Instructor innovation (4)

The instructors adopted different teaching methodsfrom those in face-to-face courses

.77

The instructors designed new online learningactivities to get us involved

.84

The instructors used various and innovativeteaching methods in the online courses

.87

The instructors assigned different learning tasks inonline courses

.82

Student Approaches to Using Online Learning Technologies (KMO = 0.89, Bartlett test of sphericity: χ2(45) = 1626.58, p < 0.001, total variance explained = 76.35%)

Deep approach to online learning technology support(6)

I find I use the online learning technologies in thiscourse to further my research into a topic

.88

I spend time using the online learning technologiesin this course to develop my knowledge on keytopics

.91

I try to use the online learning technologies in thiscourse to achieve a more complete understanding ofkey concepts

.90

I find interacting with online learning technologies inthis course promotes deeper understanding of keyideas

.93

I try to use the online learning technologies in thiscourse to communicate with other participants totest my ideas

.84

I find using the online learning technologies in thiscourse help me to develop my critical thinking

.86

Surface approach to online learning technology (4)

I restrict my use of online learning technologies inthis course to do as little as possible

.79

I do not use the online learning technologies in thiscourse to enable me to achieve my goals

.86

I only use the online learning technologies in thiscourse to fulfil course requirements

.82

I do not find using online technologies in this coursehelps me to understand things more deeply

.65