Online learning experiences of chinese and malaysian university students: a cross-cultural comparative study

Abstract

The online learning experience, a crucial indicator for measuring the quality of online education, is of utmost significance to optimize course design and enhance learning outcomes. This study compares online learning experiences among university students in China (n=129) and Malaysia (n=127) using the Australian CEQ framework. Chinese students reported a markedly higher online learning experience than their Malaysian counterparts (M = 3.78 vs. M = 3.33). Precisely, Chinese students scored remarkably higher than Malaysian students in the dimensions of good teaching, clear goals & standards, appropriate workload, and generic skills, although no significant difference was noted in the dimension of appropriate assessment. Besides, Chinese students' experience declined with grade level, while Malaysians remained stable. Thus, both countries should enhance online education through resource sharing, technical support, and course design improvements. Cross-cultural collaboration is recommended to promote educational equity and quality, offering insights for global online education optimization.