Perception and Preference of Students towards E-Learning with regard to Web-based Supplemental Courses

Abstract

Online Courses have become the new normal in the higher education landscape. With rapid developments in information and communication technology, higher education institutions are turning their focus towards course offerings in the online mode. It is imperative for institutions to understand the perspective of the learners so that they can offer better service. This paper endeavors to highlight the factors that influence the learners who take up online supplemental courses that are offered along with the conventional degree programs. Learners who took up value added courses were contacted for the purpose of understanding their perception with regard to usability, user friendliness, navigation, assessment, feedback, course content, test friendliness etc. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out. Results show that user friendliness and learner engagement were the focal points to promote online learning. Learner satisfaction with regard to CDROM that was given as supplemental learning tool was measured and learners were found to be satisfied with this. Suggestions for offering user friendly and engaging online programs are given. Students who completed the course felt very optimistic about the program compared to those who did not complete.