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

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.