Test of Information Technology (IT) - Self Efficacy and Online Learning Interaction Components on Student Retention: A Study of Synchronous Learning Environment

The main purpose of the present study is to build a model that predicts the relationship between IT self -- efficacy, online learning interactions components and student retention within synchronous learning environment. Data of the present study were collected from 519 participants (Female =258, Male =261) from Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) in Malaysia, E-Questionnaire was applied. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Version 16 and SPSS Version 11.5 were used. A hypothesized model was tested for model fit in the present study. The convergent validity and discriminate validity were conducted. The result showed that Information Technology (IT) self -- efficacy and online learning interaction components (student -- student, student -- instructor interaction) were positively and significantly related to student retention. The exogenous variables (IT) self -- efficacy was positively and significantly related to online learning interaction components (student -- student and student -- instructor interaction) within synchronous learning environment, specifically in Arabic language course offered to undergraduate students at MEDIU.