Effects of Instructor Immediacy and Online Course Design in Student Satisfaction and Successful Course Completion

Background:  The withdrawal and failure rates for online classes and student satisfaction of online courses are identified as problems. 

Aim and Objectives:  The aim was to investigate the effects of course design and instructor feedback on student success and satisfaction in online courses. 

Method:  The literature review supported further investigation of student satisfaction and course completion in online courses and the college approved the project.  Student satisfaction with the course and instructor were evaluated utilizing the college’s current survey tool.  Student course completion was evaluated.  Results of the project were compared to the 2010 online Medical Terminology course and all 2011 online courses at the technical college in Wisconsin.

Analysis and Results:  The data analysis showed no significant differences in the survey results between groups.  Differences were noted in the rates of successful course completion in the Medical Terminology courses and all online courses at the college.  The course design differed in the two Medical Terminology online courses therefore the increased rates cannot be solely attributed to the capstone interventions.

Recommendations:  Course design and instructor feedback may have a significant impact on student success and satisfaction in online courses warranting further studies.  The results of further studies may improve student outcomes benefitting not only the students but the college as well.

Key words:  DNP Capstone Project, online student satisfaction, online course failure, online course instructor feedback.