Factors Impacting Student Satisfaction with Blended Learning in English Courses: A Case Study of a Higher Vocational and Technical University in Sichuan, China

Background and Aim: This study investigates key factors influencing student satisfaction with blended English learning at a higher vocational and technical college in Sichuan, China. Against the backdrop of digital transformation in vocational education, the research focuses on five variables: system quality, information quality, course design quality, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information Systems Success Theory, the study aims to validate their mechanisms of impact on satisfaction and enhance blended learning outcomes through strategic interventions. It particularly examines the practical application of the U-Campus platform in language courses, providing empirical insights for optimizing vocational education models. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining 90 valid questionnaires and 12 in-depth interviews with first-year students from three colleges (Materials Engineering, Economics & Management, and Arts). The questionnaire utilized a 29-item 5-point Likert scale, validated through expert content validity checks (IOC > 0.6) and reliability tests (Cronbach’s α > 0.7). A 16-week strategic intervention was implemented, with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealing that course design quality (β = 0.290) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.282) were the strongest predictors of satisfaction, explaining 61.7% of variance (R² = 0.617). Paired t-tests confirmed significant post-intervention improvements across all variables (e.g., system quality mean increased from 3.81 to 4.02, p < .001), demonstrating the feasibility of pedagogical optimization. Results: Findings reveal that system quality, information quality, and course design quality positively influence perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which subsequently impact student satisfaction. Course design quality (CDQ) and perceived usefulness (PU) were the strongest predictors of student satisfaction. The strategic interventions implemented led to significant improvements in these areas. Conclusion: To improve student satisfaction in blended learning, institutions should focus on enhancing system functionality, optimizing course design, and increasing the perceived usefulness of learning activities. Future research should expand to additional vocational universities to enhance generalizability.