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Table 9 Online learner satisfaction research themes and factors

From: Developing an online learner satisfaction framework in higher education through a systematic review of research

Themes

Factors

Frequency

Learner

Ā Learner characteristics

Learner anxiety, agency, preference, academic self-concept, technology anxiety, technology access, motivation, learning style, cultural differences, e-readiness, computer self-efficacy, study attitudes, gender, gpa, age, ethnicity, academic standing, competence, personality type, comfort, learner abilities, awareness, future enrollment preference, and recommendation to a friend

38

Ā Engagement

Social presence, interaction, collaboration/group work, community, relatedness, connectedness, and communication

35

Ā Learning strategies

Metacognitive strategies, self-directed learning, self-regulation, time spent online per week, study behavior, and study environment

4

Instructor

Ā Instructor facilitation

Online lectures, course announcements, teaching process, instructor time spent, instructor behaviors and actions, instructor availability, response time, instructor feedback, instructor presence, and teaching quality

12

Ā Faculty characteristics

Faculty empathy, faculty longevity, instructor interest, and teaching experience

8

Course

Ā Instructional design

Course orientation; learning outcomes; course structure; course clarity;use of multimedia; usability; course content; learning resources; instructional activities; transactional distance; autonomy; challenge and difficulty; and flexibility

19

Ā Course technologies

Elearning and eclassroom properties; elearning tools and resources; learner-interface interaction; and perceived usefulness and ease of use

6

Ā Assessment

Assessment methods, course assignment, and evaluation

4

Ā Course quality

Course material quality and technology quality

8

Program and organization

Ā Learner support

Information and service quality; infrastructure support; instructional support; peer support; technical support program support; and organizational support

4

Ā Program quality

Program authenticity and university reputation

3

Ā Course delivery

Environment, length of course, self-paced program, course modality

22

General satisfaction

Overall satisfaction

5