A factor analysis of Taiwanese learner's perceptions of online learning

The purpose of the study was to identify Taiwanese students' perceptions of online courses. The population to be studied comprised students enrolled in at least one online course at the university during the Spring 2008 semester. Five hundred forty-one undergraduate students participated in the study were asked to respond a survey consisting items regarding student perceptions, online course quality, learning attitudes, and the variables influencing students' satisfactions and their intentions for future online courses.;The collected data were statistically analyzed using, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, and descriptive statistics. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) determined seven factors regarding students' perceived quality of online courses and leaning attitudes (i.e., course management, communications, flexibility, course design, perceived value, self-confidence, and self-regulation).;The data revealed that several outcomes as follows: Male students had statistically significant higher perceptions of flexibility in relationship to online courses than did female students. Level of study resulted in a statistically significant difference on course management, communications, and flexibility parameters. Male participants showed higher scores than female participants on perceived value and self-confidence subscales. There were significant differences toward perceived value and self-regulation across students' age. A significant difference in subscales, such as perceived value and self-confidence, was indicated for level of study.;The results of analysis indicated that perceived value, flexibility, self-confidence and course design were the most influential variables in predicting students' continuance intentions for online learning. Students who expressed satisfaction with online courses also tended to score higher on variables including communications, flexibility, course design, perceived value, self-confidence, and self-regulation.;The study looked at the role of certain factors related to students' perceptions of online courses in the university of Taiwan's education system and found those were dominant in explaining students' satisfaction and their intentions for future enrollment in certain contexts. To improve learners' satisfaction and assure their future intentions to enroll in online courses, educators and instructional designers in Taiwan are encouraged to offer flexible online learning environments and strengthen course designs to fit online learners' needs.