Student Perception of Online Learning Experiences Associated with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The devastation of COVID-19 has profoundly disrupted the U.S. educational system. Student dissatisfaction with online learning has adversely effected enrollment and student retention. Identifying factors that contribute to student satisfaction with online learning experiences is imperative to bolstering student retention and enrollment. This study examines student opinions related to overall satisfaction of online learning experiences during the COVID-19 shift to remote learning. Methods: A single electronic, university wide, survey was sent out to all 16,212 students enrolled at a Southern, regionally accredited university. The survey remained open for five weeks during the fall 2020 semester. A single e-mail reminder data was sent to all students with a link to the survey and the survey closing date. Descriptive, inferential and qualitative analyses were conducted.  Results: Student satisfaction with online learning experiences during COVID-19 were much lower than previously reported averages. Student satisfaction significantly differed based on sex and program type. Female students (M=1.53, SD=.500, p=.005) and students enrolled in online programs (M=1.53, SD=.500 p<.001) reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with online learning amid the onset of COVID-19, in comparison to male students (M=1.42, SD=.495) and students enrolled in traditional (face-to-face or hybrid format) programs (M=1.46, SD=.499). Qualitative analyses found that student opinions about instructional design elements pertaining to course structure (content, sequence and methods), sociology and compassion influenced student satisfaction with online learning experiences. Conclusions: Student sex, type of program, elements of course design, and instructor compassion influenced student satisfaction with learning experiences during the onset of COVID-19. Improvement in course structure and student-teacher interaction may improve student rates of satisfaction with online learning experiences.