A Comparative Study of Learner Satisfaction in Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Courses among Japanese EFL Learners

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Comparative Study of Learner Satisfaction in Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Courses among Japanese EFL Learners
Language: English
Authors: Satomi Fujii, Makoto Mitsugi, Kaeko Nakamura, Yoshiyasu Ono, Toru Yamagami, Norihiko Takeuchi, Hiroki Ishizuka, Ronald Kibler
Source: Journal of Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics. 2022 26(2):97-120.
Availability: Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics. Cheongji National University of Education. Main Bldg #506, 2065 Cheongnam-ro, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 28690, Korea. e-mail: paaljournal@gmail.com; Web site: http://paal.kr/html/sub04_01.asp
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Student Satisfaction, Asynchronous Communication, Synchronous Communication, Electronic Learning, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, COVID-19, Pandemics, Learner Engagement, Personal Autonomy, Educational Assessment, College Students
Geographic Terms: Japan
DOI: 10.25256/PAAL.26.2.6
ISSN: 1345-8353
2671-938X
Abstract: This article reports on a mixed method study that investigated the differences in Japanese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners' satisfaction toward two different online teaching formats incorporated in universities during the COVID-19 situation: synchronous online courses (n = 324) and asynchronous on-demand courses (n = 323). Applying the items of the previously developed online satisfaction scale in the literature of online learning to EFL learning contexts, this study examined learner satisfaction from three main factors, "engaged learning," "agency," and "assessment," as a quantitative inquiry. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, there were significantly higher results of "engaged learning" and "assessment" in synchronous online courses than in asynchronous ondemand courses, indicating a higher level of learner satisfaction in synchronous online courses. In addition, based on the qualitative text-mining analysis of learner comments on their perceptions of the online courses they had taken, findings suggest that synchronous online courses accounted for higher percentages of positive comments compared to those in the asynchronous on-demand courses. This study shows that synchronous online teaching ensured higher satisfaction among Japanese EFL learners than asynchronous on-demand courses.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1414437
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This article reports on a mixed method study that investigated the differences in Japanese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners' satisfaction toward two different online teaching formats incorporated in universities during the COVID-19 situation: synchronous online courses (n = 324) and asynchronous on-demand courses (n = 323). Applying the items of the previously developed online satisfaction scale in the literature of online learning to EFL learning contexts, this study examined learner satisfaction from three main factors, "engaged learning," "agency," and "assessment," as a quantitative inquiry. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, there were significantly higher results of "engaged learning" and "assessment" in synchronous online courses than in asynchronous ondemand courses, indicating a higher level of learner satisfaction in synchronous online courses. In addition, based on the qualitative text-mining analysis of learner comments on their perceptions of the online courses they had taken, findings suggest that synchronous online courses accounted for higher percentages of positive comments compared to those in the asynchronous on-demand courses. This study shows that synchronous online teaching ensured higher satisfaction among Japanese EFL learners than asynchronous on-demand courses.
ISSN:1345-8353
2671-938X
DOI:10.25256/PAAL.26.2.6