Factors affecting learners' knowledge sharing intentions in web-based learning

In this study, a framework based on the theory of planned behavior was proposed to find out the major factors which could have influences on learners' knowledge sharing intentions. A field survey has been conducted with 150 learners who had experiences in web-based learning. The proposed hypotheses were examined by structural equation modeling. According to the analysis results, we have found that: 1) the knowledge sharing attitude is mainly influenced by subjective norms, expected contribution, and expected loss; 2) the knowledge sharing attitude is secondarily influenced by disincentives and altruism; 3) the subjective norm is mainly influenced by instructors' expectation; 4) the perceived behavioral control is mainly influenced by the abilities of learners in using information technologies; 5) the knowledge sharing intention is mainly influenced by knowledge sharing attitude and subjective norms. We hope this study is helpful to instructors for designing good teaching strategies to improve knowledge sharing among learners and enhance learning performance in web-based learning.