Development and Validation of a Learner Experience and Satisfaction Scale for Open Online and Distance Learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/80kc2g55

Keywords:

learner experience, satisfaction, distance education, open and distance learning, higher education, open education

Abstract

Standard e-learning satisfaction scales often do not accurately reflect the diverse needs of learners in “Giga-Universities.” To fill this important measurement gap, this study created and validated the “Learner Experience and Satisfaction Scale” for the Anadolu University Open Education system, which is applicable to any mega/giga university or open university. This work is based on a combination of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Information System Success Model, and it followed a careful process to develop the scale. Data were collected from 573 open- and distance-learning students during the summer semester of 2024-2025 via an online survey. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses resulted in a strong 27-item tool with nine distinct dimensions: Attitude, Usability, Perceived Learning, Satisfaction, Social Influence, System Quality, Service Quality, Ease of Use, and Interface. Psychometric tests showed high construct validity (CFI = 0.96; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.075) and excellent internal consistency (α = 0.983). The results indicate that in large-scale environments, learner satisfaction is not just a technical matter. It is influenced by a mix of teaching, social, and service-related factors. This validated scale gives administrators and instructional designers a useful diagnostic tool for quality assurance.

Author Biographies

  • Yusuf Zafer Can Uğurhan, Anadolu University

    Dr Yusuf Zafer Can Uğurhan is a faculty member at Anadolu University, Faculty of Communication Sciences. His research focuses on communication studies, social media, and open and distance learning, with expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods. Email: yzcu@anadolu.edu.tr (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1264-9002)

  • Emel Güler, Anadolu University

    Dr Emel Güler is an Assistant Professor in Lifelong Learning at Anadolu University’s Faculty of Education. She holds an MA and PhD in Distance Education. Her research focuses on open and distance learning design, learning technologies, flexible learning, support services, digital publishing, lifelong learning, and AI. Email: emelgoksal@anadolu.edu.tr (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0492-4492)

  • Aras Bozkurt, Anadolu University

    Aras Bozkurt is a researcher and faculty member at Anadolu University, Türkiye. With MA and PhD degrees in distance education, Dr. Bozkurt's work focuses on empirical studies in areas such as distance education, online learning, networked learning, and educational technology. He applies critical theories like connectivism, rhizomatic learning, and heutagogy to his research. Dr. Bozkurt is also interested in emerging research paradigms, including social network analysis, sentiment analysis, and data mining. Dr. Bozkurt's studies also cover the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into educational processes in the axis of human-machine interaction. Email: arasbozkurt@gmail.com (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4520-642X)

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Published

2026-09-21

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026): ISSUE 3

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Yusuf Zafer Can Uğurhan, Emel Güler, Aras Bozkurt

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How to Cite

Development and Validation of a Learner Experience and Satisfaction Scale for Open Online and Distance Learning. (2026). Journal of Learning for Development, 13(3), 497-511. https://doi.org/10.56059/80kc2g55