Predictors of Success and Preference for Full Online Distance Education: Insights Moving Forward the New Normal in Education

Abstract

The study investigated the critical success factors (CSF) influencing the effectiveness of online distance learning delivery. Effectiveness was measured based on overall student satisfaction, intention to re-enroll, intention to recommend the school, and preference for online learning. The study utilized data from a total of 2,703 students, which accounted for 68% of the entire student population of a higher education institution in the Philippines. Students expressed their satisfaction with the school’s online services, including academic (learning outcomes and delivery), academic support, and student services. They regarded these services as indicative of quality, assessed through an instrument constructed from existing literature. A three-factor model was established through confirmatory factor analysis, and path relationships were scrutinized using covariance-based structural equation modeling with AMOS. Effect size analysis was used to confirm the regression weights and P-values. Results show that the delivery of learning had the most influence as a predictor of success and may be the only crucial factor for all indicators of success. Learning outcomes, academic support, and student services provided online did not show any significant effect or register any effect on all success indicators. The latter supports the premise that investing in ICT infrastructure and educational technology tools contributes, but it does not guarantee success. Moving forward, fully online distance learning, if designed appropriately, has the potential to become a prominent method of conventional education, rather than just a temporary solution during a crisis.