Perspectives of Online Learners: Demographic Characteristics on Synchronous Learning Environment in Taiwan

Abstract

This study addressed the differences of distance learners' perspectives of synchronous e-learning environment based on their demographic characteristics. The participants in this study are 120 Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan who takes undergraduate program with blended learning environment in Indonesia Open University in Taiwan. The majority of students (70%) are female. Degree or education level (78.3%), better occupation in the future (69.1%), and work schedule (51.6%) are the top three enrollment factors. Based on results of statistics, the results show that students have positive perceptions of synchronous e-learning environment (M = 3.84). There were significant different perceptions on synchronous e-learning environment when students are compared by gender (p = .03), where females perceived synchronous e-learning more positively than males. Furthermore, when students are compared by academic year or class level, there was a significant different perception (p = .008). However, there were no significant differences in students' perceptions when students are compared by age (p > .05).