An investigation of Taiwan University students' perceptions of online academic help seeking, and their web-based learning self-efficacy

This study was conducted to investigate Taiwan University students' perceptions (including experience, confidence and preference) of online academic help seeking (OAHS) and students' level of web-based learning self-efficacy (WLSE). Two instruments, OAHS questionnaire, consisting of information searching, formal and informal query scales, and WLSE questionnaire, including general and functional scales, were then validated through collecting the responses from 300 university students. Results indicate reciprocal relations between experience, confidence and preference in students' online academic help seeking behaviors. Students' academic help seeking behaviors were related to their general self-efficacy in a web-based course setting. Students' functional WLSE was related to their perceptions of information searching for OAHS. Findings of this study also imply that students' experience of seeking help from informal online channels is prominent when they participate in a web-based course.

► We investigate students' perceptions of online academic help seeking (OAHS) and their level of web-based learning self-efficacy (WLSE).
► Reciprocal relations between experience, confidence and preference in students' OAHS behaviors were found.
► Students' OAHS behaviors were related to their general WLSE.
► Students' functional WLSE was related to their perceptions of information searching for OAHS.
► Students' experience of seeking help from informal online channels is prominent when participating in a web-based course.