A study on the importance and satisfaction of adult learners' distance learning

Objectives This study focused on distance learning provided in university education for adult learners, and the purpose was to confirm the importance and satisfaction of distance learning and apply it to the field. Methods To conduct the study, the importance and satisfaction of distance learning were analyzed for 160 adult learners at K University, which is conducting the LIFE project, and a questionnaire was prepared for online distribution. Factors affecting distance learning were divided into three categories: learner factors, instructor factors, and lecture content factors. ISA (Important Satisfaction Analysis) was conducted to determine the priority of importance and satisfaction with distance learning, and Borich Relative priorities were confirmed using coefficients. Results Among the learner factors for adult learners' distance learning, importance was found to be activeness in participating in online classes, satisfaction was shown to be opportunities for repeated learning through online classes, and areas for improvement were whether or not they had learning equipment for distance learning and online attendance. It was found to be compliance with deadlines and concentration in distance learning. Among the instructor factors, the importance was high on the instructor's passion for teaching, and the satisfaction level was highly distributed on the instructor's assistance with the major. Areas for improvement were the instructor's assistance with the major, the instructor's immediate response to requests for support other than learning, and the instructor's students. It was found to be a result of communication and interaction between teachers and the formation of a bond between instructors and students. Among the lecture content factors, the importance is the stability of the learner's computer server (Internet), and the satisfaction is the provision of three 25-minute videos per week. Areas for improvement were the provision of three 25-minute videos per week, provision of in-depth learning (YouTube, video), and provision of videos with the instructor's face displayed publicly. Conclusions Since most adult learners are working and studying at the same time, university distance learning is recognized as an important teaching method, and it is meaningful in reflecting the needs of adult learners by analyzing factors related to the importance and satisfaction of distance learning.