The mechanism of learning effect of online courses in higher-education: An explanation based on the interactive distance theory

Abstract

"Online courses" avoid the limitation of time and space and effectively integrate educational resources by using internet technology, thus accelerating the development of modern education. The wide use of online courses since the COVID-19 pandemic has made the learning effect of online courses and its influencing factors attract the attention of educators and educational researchers. Based on the Transactional Distance Theory, this paper constructed a model of factors influencing the learning effect of online courses in higher education. We collected sample data of 743 participants in online courses and evaluated the learning effect of online courses through structural equations. The results show that: (1) material content utility and interaction utility of online courses have a significant positive effect on the learning effect and course satisfaction evaluation; further, attention has a mediating effect on the learning effect; (2) Compared with "live broadcast" courses, the effect of material content and interaction on learning effect is stronger in "live broadcast + recording" courses; (3) differences in students' characteristics result in different learning effects. The conclusion of this study provides a theoretical basis for improving the learning effect of online teaching and a reference for formulating targeted incentive strategies based on students’ characteristics.