Examining the Relationship Between Student Online Learning Readiness and Their Satisfaction on Distance Learning.

Abstract

Assessing Student's Online Learning Readiness is among the critical factors that help higher education institutions to achieve their goals. However, majority of these studies were conducted in western countries. Thus, the current research aimed to examine the relationship between Student's Online Learning Readiness (SOLR) constructs and their satisfaction on distance learning in the higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. A quantitative research methodology was used to answer the research question. The questionnaire was distributed among 621 students. SPSS software was used to examine the preliminary data, while SmartPLS software was used for the measurement model and hypotheses. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship between satisfaction on distance learning and the following constructs of Student Online Learning Readiness: 1) Technical competencies, 2) Communication competencies, and 3) Social competencies with instructor. While there was no relationship between satisfaction and the following constructs of Student Online Learning Readiness: 1) Social competencies with classmates, and 2) Self-directed learning. The findings extended both student e-learning readiness and satisfaction literature, and supported the applicability of western models such as the Student Online Learning Readiness model developed in the United States in higher education institutions in not often examined contexts such as the UAE. Furthermore, the achieved result extended Yu and Richardson’s (2015) model by examining the impact of self-directed learning as additional construct to overcome the limitation of the used model. Concerning contextual contribution, this research is among the first studies to examine this relationship in the UAE context, which can help decision-makers to understand the significance of investment in student experience and the overall role of student's different competencies on achieving outputs such as their satisfaction with distance learning. With regards to managerial implications, this study confirms the need for implementing national level strategy to identify and enhance human capital required competencies and skills which could help students in the short and long term to achieve the required objectives.