Korean University Students' Attitudes, Perceptions, and Evaluations of Asynchronous Online Education in Korean Higher Education

Abstract

Asynchronous online learning is an educational approach in which students can access course materials and complete assignments independently, without synchronous participation by an instructor or peers. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education institutions implemented online education for university students. This research recognizes the importance of online education and focuses on Korean university students' experiences of asynchronous online education in Korean higher education. The study implemented a mixed method approach that used a course exit survey (n = 44) and focus-group interviews (n = 6) to examine Korean university students' perceptions, attitudes, and evaluations of asynchronous online education. The study found that online courses provide a flexible learning environment for university students. Also, university students were highly satisfied with asynchronous online courses and were willing to retake online courses next semester. Furthermore, students' evaluations indicated that online education effectively achieved the course goal. However, the interview data exposed some challenges posed by asynchronous online education. For example, if the course content was practice-based, including field practicum, students preferred a face-to-face course with the on-site instructor. Finally, several implications are discussed for effectively constructing asynchronous online education in higher education.