Locus of control, self-efficacy, and task value as predictors of learning outcome in an online university context

Abstract

This study investigates the predictors of learner satisfaction, achievement and persistence in an online university located in South Korea. The specific predictors were learners' locus of control, self-efficacy, and task value, and the mediating effects of learner satisfaction and achievement were also tested. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the causation among the variables. The participants were 897 learners who enrolled in an online university in 2009 and a series of online surveys were administered. The results revealed that locus of control, self-efficacy, and task value were significant predictors of learner satisfaction, while self-efficacy and task value predicted achievement. Task value, satisfaction, and achievement were significant predictors for persistence. Lastly, learner satisfaction significantly mediated the predictors and persistence. The research findings increased our understanding of the learners and learning in an online university environment. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.