Examining the relationship among student perception of support, course satisfaction, and learning outcomes in online learning

Support for student learning is a key element in optimizing student learning experiences in any learning environment and its importance has been widely discussed. This study looked at student support, particularly in the course context, focusing mainly on guidance provided to students within a course. Three categories of support were identified and used for the purpose of this study: instructional, peer, and technical support. A total of 110 students completed an online survey on students' perceptions of support and course satisfaction in an undergraduate online course at a large southeastern university. The results showed perceived support was significantly related to their overall satisfaction of the online course. The findings of this study suggest that teachers should communicate what types of support are available to students and provide an easy way of accessing and taking advantage of the support.

► Support for student learning is a key element in optimizing student learning experiences in any learning environment.
► We identified three categories of support and used in this study: instructional, peer, and technical support.
► Student perception of support was significantly related to their overall satisfaction of the online course.
► Teachers should communicate what types of support are available to students and provide an easy way of accessing the support.