Assessing Learner Satisfaction in Online Courses: Evidence from Public and Private Higher Education Institutions in Surakarta Indonesia

Akila Syahra Maharani, Sania Amanati, Taris Zulfania Rosyda, Angelique Yoanita, Muhammad Marsanda Zarkasih, Retno Wulan Damayanti

Abstract

This study aims to measure student satisfaction in participating in online digital learning courses, which focuses on affective and behavioral dimensions, with the addition of a satisfaction dimension as an evaluative component. Students from public and private universities in Surakarta, Indonesia, participated by completing an online questionnaire based on their experiences with Coursera-based courses. The descriptive analysis revealed that students generally had positive perceptions of the online learning experience, particularly regarding the quality of video content, the clarity of the course structure, the fairness of the assessment system, and the responsiveness of support services. In terms of behavioral aspects, students demonstrated active engagement by completing videos and assignments on time and consistently adhering to the course schedule. Furthermore, most respondents expressed overall satisfaction with the flexibility and accessibility of the online learning environment. However, some students reported technical issues, such as inaccessible modules, delays in peer review processes, and difficulties retrieving certificates, which highlight the need to improve support systems to better facilitate the learning process.

Keywords

digital; higher education; MOOCs; online; students satisfaction

Full Text:

PDF

References

Ahmed, S. K., Mohammed, R. A., Nashwan, A. J., Ibrahim, R. H., Abdalla, A. Q., M. Ameen, B. M., & Khdhir, R. M. (2025). Using thematic analysis in qualitative research. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 6, 100198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198

Albelbisi, N. A., Al-Adwan, A. S., & Habibi, A. (2021). Self-regulated learning and satisfaction: A key determinants of MOOC success. Education and Information Technologies, 26(3), 3459–3481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10404-z

Bhattacherjee, A. (2001). Understanding Information Systems Continuance: An Expectation-Confirmation Model. MIS Quarterly, 25(3), 351–370. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250921

Christou, P. (2024). Thematic Analysis through Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7046

Deng, R. (2021). Emotionally Engaged Learners Are More Satisfied with Online Courses. Sustainability, 13(20), 11169. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011169

Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School Engagement: Potential of the Concept, State of the Evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 59-109. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001059

Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical Inquiry in a Text-Based Environment: Computer Conferencing in Higher Education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2, 87-105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1096-7516(00)00016-6

Gavi, K. (2024). Assessing the Impact of E-Learning Platforms on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Bangladesh’s Higher Education Institutions.

Ho, N. T. T., Abdullah, M. R. T. L., Idrus, H. B., Sivapalan, S., Pham, H.-H., Dinh, V.-H., Pham, H. K., & Nguyen, L. T. M. (2023). Acceptance Toward Coursera MOOCs Blended Learning: A Mixed Methods View of Vietnamese Higher Education Stakeholders. Sage Open, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231197997

Martin, F., Bolliger, D. U., & Flowers, C. (2021). Design Matters: Development and Validation of the Online Course Design Elements (OCDE) Instrument. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 22(2), 46–71. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i2.5187

Singh, M., James, P. S., Paul, H., & Bolar, K. (2022). Impact of cognitive-behavioral motivation on student engagement. Heliyon, 8(7), e09843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09843

Wang, C., Mirzaei, T., Xu, T., & Lin, H. (2022). How learner engagement impacts non-formal online learning outcomes through value co-creation: an empirical analysis. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00341-x

Wong, B. T. (2021). A survey on the pedagogical features of language massive open online courses. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 16(1), 116–128. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-03-2021-0028

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.