Personality and satisfaction with online courses: The relation between the Big Five personality traits and satisfaction with online learning activities.

Abstract

Online courses have become widespread in higher education. Yet, despite their prevalence, they may not suit all learners. Personality influences learner satisfaction and therefore affects learning experience. This study explores the relation between personality traits (using Costa & McCare's Big-Five model) and student satisfaction with various of learning activities offered in online courses, called Techno-Pedagogical Learning Solutions (TPLS). The tested TPLS were discussion groups, digital books, online assignments, surveys/polls and media. Questionnaires were used to measure personality types and satisfaction of 108 university students enrolled in a credited online academic course. Significant correlations were found between all five personality traits and satisfaction with several TPLS. Cluster analysis method was applied to identify learners with similar personality traits. Four groups were formed and group’s satisfaction score was measured. It was found that learners assigned to the "neurotic" group exhibited low satisfaction with all TPLS, contrary to learners assigned to the "non-neurotic" group. The findings clearly indicate that personality plays a significant role in online learner satisfaction. Thus, personality traits should be considered when designing learning activities for online courses. Such personality-based personalization may ensure that no learner is left behind, regardless of his\\ her attitude toward online learning.