The Impact of Online Learning and Soft Skills on College Student Satisfaction and Course Feedback

This study looked at the complex connections between college students’ course feedback, soft skills, online learning, and student satisfaction. The study aimed to examine the direct effects of virtual learning on student contentment and course evaluations, while also examining the intermediary function of soft skills in these associations. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study gathered information from 1153 online education program-enrolled college students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The structural path model’s excellent model fit indices were indicated by the results. The results of the study validated the first two hypotheses, showing that feedback from courses and student happiness were positively impacted by online learning. Moreover, it was found that Hypotheses 3 and 4 were validated, indicating a noteworthy mediation function of soft skills in the associations between student outcomes and online learning. Soft skill-developed college students gave more insightful course evaluations and expressed greater pleasure with online learning. These results highlight the significance of both the technological and interpersonal components of learning in the digital age and advance our knowledge of the complex nature of online education. The study has significance for educators and educational institutions that aim to improve student satisfaction and educational outcomes by optimizing online learning environments and developing soft skills.