Semantic differential analysis of effects of indoor soundscapes on learning efficiency during online home-based classes

Abstract

This investigation into the effects of indoor soundscapes on learning efficiency during home-based online classes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic leveraged a questionnaire survey to gather insights from participants across 32 provinces in China. The survey findings reveal a notable preference among respondents for sounds emanating from nature and culture, alongside an acceptance of sounds inherent to lectures. A significant majority showed a preference for a tranquil soundscape or one enriched with natural and cultural elements, emphasizing that such an environment, coupled with the ability for active communication, is conducive to enhancing learning efficiency. Through semantic differential analysis, the study identified four pivotal factors that influence subjective evaluations of indoor soundscapes: the nature of online classes, relaxation, physical attributes of the soundscape, and aspects related to personal study. Additionally, the analysis delved into gender and regional differences in soundscape perceptions and their impact on learning. A key finding is that complex soundscapes negatively affect the learning process, with 45.7% of respondents reporting a perceived decrease in learning efficiency attributable to the indoor soundscape experienced during home-based online classes. Consequently, this study suggests that optimizing learning efficiency requires creating simpler, lighter, quieter, and more relaxing soundscapes. These insights hold both theoretical and practical value, offering a foundational basis for further research into indoor soundscapes and informing the development and management of online classes. The findings underscore the importance of considering the auditory environment as a critical component of effective online education, highlighting the need for strategies that mitigate auditory distractions and foster an acoustically conducive learning space.