Psychometric properties of a new instrument for the measurement of the perceived quality of distance learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Introduction: The lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many students to use distance learning. Few studies have examined the psychological effects of distance learning during the pandemic on university or on non-university students using a specific psychometric tool. The principal aim of this study was the construction and validation of a new psychometric tool, the Perceived Quality of Distance Learning (PQDL), to measure students’ appreciation and reaction to distance learning. The connection between anxiety, depression, perceived self-efficacy, and students’ perception of distance learning was analyzed to assess the nomological validity of the new scale. Method: The sample consists of 429 students who attended university or training courses. The factor structure of the new instrument was analyzed through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses and its nomological validity was analyzed through regression analysis. Conclusion: The results showed that PQDL consists of two subscales: Distance Learning Organization and Cognitive-Emotive Reaction to Distance Learning. Higher student’s ability to organize and plan distance learning and higher student’s positive cognitive-emotive reaction to distance learning, higher student’s perceived quality of distance learning. Anxiety and depression scores were negatively correlated with students’ perceived quality of distance learning. Furthermore, students’ perceived emotional self-efficacy of negative emotions and perceived scholastic self-efficacy were positively correlated with students’ perceived quality of distance learning. These data indicate that PQDL is a reliable questionnaire to assess student’s perceived quality of distance learning.