Examining Students’ Online Learning Satisfaction during COVID-19 to Inform Post-Pandemic Program Planning

Background: Student satisfaction is one of five pillars of quality online learning and is associated with academic achievement. This study aimed to examine nursing students’ satisfaction with online learning during COVID-19, their desire to continue online classes, and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 125 nursing students from a public university. The students’ satisfaction was measured with the Student’s Satisfaction Towards Online Learning Questionnaire. Demographics, stress, and resilience were also measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: Fewer than half (41.8%) of students were satisfied with online learning. Just over half (51.2%) did not want to continue with online classes. The strongest predictor of satisfaction was course management and coordination. The strongest predictor for a preference to continue with online classes was the instructor’s characteristics. Conclusions: Considering the trend of providing more online education to nursing students, instructors should be prepared for excellence in online course management and coordination as the instructors have a fundamental role in students’ satisfaction with online learning. Further examination of nursing students’ satisfaction with online learning during the pandemic may yield valuable insights for post-pandemic program planning.