Learner Autonomy in Online Learning: Development and Validation of a Scale

Abstract

In online learning, autonomy is one of the significant factors for academic success, and learners’ being aware of her/his skills can have effect on academic performance. Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable measurement scale for the evaluation of learner autonomy in online learning environments. An item pool was generated based on both existing literature and perceptions of experts in the field of online learning. The sample of the study consisted of 903 university learners taking online courses. The study revealed that the scale consists of 28 items under four dimensions: self-control, self-reflection, self-interaction, and self-motivation. Confirmatory factor analysis proved that the items were appropriately loaded into the factors defined by the study. Based on these findings, the learner autonomy scale was found to be a valid and reliable instrument that may be employed in measuring learners’ autonomy which exist in online learning environments.