Factors influencing learners' satisfaction in an open e-learning environment

Abstract

A number of new open learning environments have risen aside to common e-learning envi-ronments. Wikiversity is an open environment to all community members. Students' behaviours change in the community creation process, and their self-satisfaction impacts learn-ing. The study methodology is qualitative content analysis, and the data is collected from students' blogs, online and focus group interviews. Data is based on a monitored course for bachelor students of special pedagogy (n=21). There was a possibility to test and assess modern e-learning technologies and use a socio-constructive learning process. The results are studied in light of social-exchange theory. The outcome of this study indicated that learners' satisfaction increases with free access to fellow students' works, full and equal membership of the community and an opportunity to compare oneself to the others. The future research should focus on optimization of policies and sustainable development in education to establish successful exchange systems.