Determinants of Online Education Satisfaction: A Peri-COVID Study

Impact of COVID-19 has drastically affected the education sector, forcing universities to take alternative measures to continue educational activities. Without any prior action plan, universities had to implement online educational tools to continue programs, as a damage control plan. Given the ad hoc nature, it is important to understand if satisfactory education is being provided via the online medium, determine the predictors of online education satisfaction, and identify areas of improvement. This study, conducted on the students at Bangladesh University of Professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals that students feel a lack of interaction in online classes. While online classes establish a better class life balance, students’ perception of their learnings as well as overall satisfaction is neutral. Analyzing the Partial Least Square Based Structural Equation Model revealed that perceived learning is a statistically significant construct that has a strong effect on overall satisfaction. Thus, universities may concentrate their efforts towards this direction, so that students can vouch for their learning. Universities may equip their faculty members with tablet computers to eliminate the gap of interaction and learning that is created due to the lack of white/black boards in an online classroom. This would allow a more natural and spontaneous way of interaction. Collaborative writing board and brainstorming apps may further enhance ‘learning by doing’. Teachers should also utilize the benefits of online media to introduce learning materials, examples, and new interaction opportunities. Such actions may allow students to cope better with the new normal and improve overall satisfaction.