Surviving the shift: College student satisfaction with emergency online learning during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic disrupted education systems by forcing systems to shift to emergency online leaning. Online learning satisfaction affects academic achievement. Many factors affect online learning satisfaction. However there is little study focused on personal characteristics, mental status, and coping style when college students participated in emergency online courses. AIM To assess factors related to satisfaction with emergency online learning among college students in Hebei province during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1600 college students. The collected information included demographics, psychological aspects of emergent public health events, and coping style. Single factor, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors that affected online learning satisfaction. RESULTS Descriptive findings indicated that 62.9% (994/1580) of students were satisfied with online learning. Factors that had significant positive effects on online learning satisfaction were online learning at scheduled times, strong exercise intensity, good health, regular schedule, focusing on the epidemic less than one hour a day, and maintaining emotional stability. Positive coping styles were protective factors of online learning satisfaction. Risk factors for poor satisfaction were depression, neurasthenia, and negative coping style. CONCLUSION College students with different personal characteristics, mental status, and coping style exhibited different degrees of online learning satisfaction. Our findings provide reference for educators, psychologists, and school administrators to conduct health education intervention of college students during emergency online learning.