Derivation and Relative Importance Analysis of Educational Environment Construction Factors Required for Effective Non-face-to-face Class Operation in Universities: Application of Delphi Techniques and Hierarchical Decision-Making Methods (AHP)

Objectives The purpose of this study is to extract factors and investigate the relative importance of the university's non-face-to-face teaching environment. Methods To this end, the factors of the university's non-face-to-face class education environment were extracted using the Delphi technique for the expert group, and the relative importance of each factor of the non-face-to-face class education environment was verified using AHP analysis. Results As a result of Delphi analysis, the educational environment factors necessary for effective non-face-to-face class operation in universities were divided into six evaluation areas: managers (support services from IT departments, support from schools, education of non-face-to-face class systems), class content (sufficient content, effective delivery, systematic knowledge, interest), hard software system (easy to use, easy to access, interactivity, various functions), educational system items (class preparation, class management, communication), learning tools (cell phones, tablet PCs, personal PCs/laptops, public PCs/laptops), lecture halls (in-school, suburban learning spaces, homes, public places), and a total of 22 items. Second, the AHP analysis of educational environment factors necessary for the effective operation of non-face-to-face classes at universities showed that the class management function was the most important. Conclusions In order to maximize the effectiveness of non-face-to-face classes, both instructors and learners must have basic concepts, knowledge, and expertise in using non-face-to-face classes.