The Effect of Self-efficacy and Course Design Quality on Students’ Satisfaction with Online Courses: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Students’ satisfaction with online courses is considered as one of the most critical components in the continued use, as well as, adoption of e-learning applications. The study aimed at determining and analyzing the constructs that affect students’ satisfaction. It examined the effect of students’ self-efficacy and the quality of course design on students’ satisfaction, mediated by their attitudes toward online courses. The study was conducted at University of Ha’il. Responses of 202 students were used for the data analysis. The collected data was analyzed using two steps in AMOS: The proposed measurement model was developed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the relationships were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed that both students’ self-efficacy and the quality of course design had a significant positive effect on students’ satisfaction, mediated by their attitudes towards online courses. The outcomes of this study can help decision-makers and policymakers in higher education take essential steps to enhance students’ satisfaction with online courses and ensure that they continue to be used.