Predicting Learner's Satisfaction in an Online Learning Environment

Melinda dela Peña-Bandalaria
2nd National Conference on eLearning, August 2003, Manila

*Abstract only

A study which employed a combination of survey research and content analysis of online course sites was conducted to determine variables which could be used to predict learner's satisfaction in an online learning environment. A total of 80 students enrolled in a course under the MPS Development Communication Program of the UPOU during the First Semester 2002-2003 term were asked to accomplish the survey questionnaire. The questionnaires were sent through e-mail. The study looked into the following major variables: learner readiness to undertake online learning; features of the online course site; and learning approach of the learner. Indicators for each of these variables were adopted from the Adult Distance Study through Computer Conferencing (ADSCC) Model by Eastmond (1994 as cited by Gunawaderna and Duphorne, 2000). The survey was employed to look into learner readiness while the content analysis of the course site was done to gather data on the features of the online course site and the learning approach of the learner. Each variable in the study was also correlated with academic performance (as indicated by the final numerical grade of the student in the course) using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Further, regression analysis was done to determine which among the variables studied best predict learner's satisfaction in an online learning environment.