Predicting students’ E-retention in online learning during COVID pandemic: Evidence from the Students of Higher Education

Purpose On account of prevalent crisis of COVID-19, the challenges of pandemic compelled students to pitch in the advanced and extensive environment of e-learning. Thence, the study of epidemic change in the satisfaction and online learning outcomes require absolute investigation to inquire e-retention among students of higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach This study employed the PLS-SEM technique to analyze the research results through Smart PLS software. Additionally, data were collected from students of higher education through a questionnaire. Findings The findings of this research reflect that all factors i.e., Direct Instructions/Lecture, Instructor-Learner Interactions, Learner- Learner Interactions, Internet Self-Efficacy, Perceived Social Presence have a positive and significant impact on Online Learning Outcomes and Online Learning Satisfaction. In response, these factors positively and significantly affect E-retention. Originality/value Higher education institutions and policymakers are the prime beneficiaries of this research paper. The paper makes a vital contribution to the literature by considering the role of online learning outcomes and online learning satisfaction for e-retention prediction in higher education, especially at the time of Covid-19.