E-learners' satisfaction as predictors of online classroom community

Purpose: This study investigates Chinese college students’ satisfaction with using e-learning systems and its influences on their sense of online classroom community in synchronous, asynchronous, or a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous online course format during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A total number of 307 college students were recruited with 270 usable responses from a southeastern university in China. E-learner satisfaction measurement and Classroom Community Scale (both with a 5-point Likert-type scale) were used as the instruments to investigate the research questions. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted in SPSS.

Results: Results of the analysis show that Chinese college students’ satisfaction of using the e-learning system regarding the learner interface, learning community, content, and personalization positively impacts their sense of online classroom community no matter in synchronous, asynchronous, or a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous online course format.

Implications: A well-developed e-learning system would enhance students’ sense of online classroom community. Specifically, the user interface, interaction, content arrangement, and personalization should be focused on when developing the e-learning system.