Understanding the Influential Factors on Multi-device Usage in Higher Education During Covid-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Multi-device usage is the activity conducted involving many types of gadgets. Further, the active generations such as generation x, the millennial generation, and generation-z are quite adapted to using the multi-device. In the early year 2020, the existence of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak accelerates the situation. However, it is still important to understand what kind of components/dimensions affect the usage, especially for learning in higher education. The present research explores the new dimension that affects multi-device usage. Principle component analysis is used, and 150 higher education students participated as the respondents. The data was extracted by self-administered questionnaires. Principal component analysis was performed as the analysis tool. The result shows the reduction of variables of entertainment, separate work and personal life (SWPL), productivity, interaction, emergency, and virtual mobility into two dimensions. The two dimensions generated are identified as the work-life balance and fear of missing out. Further discussion and recommendations are presented. The insight can be used by stakeholders such as academicians, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the influential dimensions of multi-device usage.