1. Introduction
The incorporation of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching-learning practices has become an essential component of higher education as per the prerequisite of the time [
1]; thereupon, the traditional, i.e., face to face instructional practices have also transformed into interactive and innovative approaches [
2,
3]. Technology-integrated modes of instruction not only bring innovativeness to pedagogical approaches [
4], but they also help learners’ cognitive abilities flourish [
5], strengthen satisfaction [
6], foster engagement [
7], improve the usefulness of assessments [
8], provide instant feedback [
9], and help to upgrade desired learning behaviors [
10] and academic performance [
11]. In the same vein, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education also recommends that higher education institutions make the best use of ICT in order to fulfil international requirements and accomplish their educational goals [
12]. Simultaneously, online learning technologies have made it possible for all universities in Saudi Arabia to provide remote education successfully [
13]. In connection to the EFL instructional methods, the utilization of technology to improve the level of students’ e-learning satisfaction has also been indicated by previous research in the context of Saudi Arabia; for instance, WhatsApp [
14], Socrative [
15], Gallery Run [
16], and Kahoot [
17], have emerged as effective applications for increasing student engagement and learning outcomes at all educational levels [
18].
However, it is still challenging for EFL teachers to choose, customize, and deploy technology effectively in their instructional practices in such a way that it stimulates students not only for the short term but throughout their studies. In relation to barriers, the learning experiences of students are considered one of the key issues with online learning. Students show dissatisfaction with respect to their e-learning due to a number of academic, technological, and communication challenges, as these barriers do not allow them to attain their expected EFL progress [
18]. Whilst student learning satisfaction is regarded as an important determining factor of educational programs’ effectiveness, which helps them achieve academic success [
1]. The learner’s perceptions of the degree to which their learning requirements and objectives have been met are regarded as essential elements of the concept of satisfaction [
19]. In addition, it is widely accepted as an important measure for determining the effectiveness of computer-based learning practices. According to Serenko (2011) [
20], satisfaction can also be estimated by evaluating the discrepancy between the students’ experiences and expectations related to their learning achievements. In a similar vein, the satisfaction of students and the experiences they endure with e-learning practices are key contributors to the accomplishments of higher education e-learning objectives [
21]. Keeping this in mind, it is deemed essential to identify students’ learning satisfaction to get familiar with their learning experiences, which depend upon a number of factors, including their level of e-skills [
22], their ability to socially and competently participate, and suitable academic supervision provided by e-learning platforms [
23]. The student’s levels of contentment with the e-learning experience can also be affected by some other factors, such as appropriate teaching and learning spaces, the student’s ability to apply what they have learned, a connection between online and offline activities, the guidance they receive from other students and instructors, as well as their academic accomplishments [
24]. Zou et al. (2022) [
6] added that the level of student satisfaction is correlated with the adaptability of e-learning, facilitating conditions, the speed with which teachers respond, the perceived utility of the program, perceived enjoyment, perceived convenience of using the program, and the practicability of the program. Regarding its significance, Kuo et al. (2014) [
19] argued that students’ learning satisfaction should be studied since it is considered a crucial component of the outcome of educational endeavors and demonstrates a strong association with academic success.
Therefore, educational institutions must strengthen their students’ learning experiences, so that teaching and learning practices can be transformed according to their needs [
23]. Furthermore, realizing students’ learning experiences allows teachers and governing bodies to improve the quality of online courses in order to satisfy them and attain desired educational expectations [
25]. In relation to the EFL context, Zou (2020) [
26] suggested EFL teachers encourage students to use the latest technological applications to help them stay motivated by engaging in various interactive activities. In contrast, many EFL teachers are not familiar with effective ways to utilize technology-assisted instructional approaches [
27]. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the effective integration of technological applications in EFL teaching-learning practices. In addition, the active participation of students in an EFL classroom has been accorded paramount importance to raise instructional effectiveness [
28,
29]. At the same time, in every class, some students raise their hands to answer the teacher’s questions right away, while others hesitate to respond. In relation to the online learning environment, instructors encounter difficulties in making such students participate in the conversations, as they feel too shy to respond. Keeping this in mind, the Classroom Response System (CRS) application is recognized as an effective approach to keep students engaged and to sustain their attention through instant questioning or quizzes during synchronous online or blended educational settings [
8]. Aside from helping teachers track students’ knowledge and learning levels instantaneously, the CRS technique also helps students reduce their shyness and test anxiety by allowing them to receive immediate feedback from their instructors in real-time, which also strengthens their e-learning satisfaction [
30].
Likewise, the ClassPoint application is an appropriate substitute for the CRS technique, allowing instructors to embed various interactive activities in their Microsoft PowerPoint presentations without switching to another application during teaching. Students can follow along on their devices, and the teachers can get students’ responses synchronously during the class. A teacher can add any of these interactive activities to any existing or newly created PowerPoint file. Students can begin responding to the activity once it is started, and the instructor can review the responses at any time during or after the conducted sessions. In relation to prior studies, Bong and Chatterjee (2021) [
31] identified the relationship of ClassPoint-integrated instructional methods in enhancing students’ engagement, but the CRS technique also helps students strengthen their learning experiences and satisfaction [
32]. In this regard, there was a critical need to explore the effect of the ClassPoint tool in improving students’ e-learning satisfaction in the setting of an EFL classroom. Therefore, to accomplish these objectives, a CRS substitute named ClassPoint was integrated into online instructional approaches among second-year undergraduate EFL learners at Qassim University. This study gives empirical evidence in the context of Saudi Arabia, which would help instructors make EFL teaching interactive by incorporating several forms of synchronous-based questions, quizzes, or opinion-based polls in their instructional practices. Therefore, the study sought to investigate these research questions:
- 1.
Does the use of ClassPoint activities help in enhancing the EFL students’ e-learning satisfaction?
Question 1 is guided by the following hypothesis:
Hypothesis 1. ClassPoint-integrated lessons significantly enhance the EFL students’ e-learning satisfaction in comparison to the non-ClassPoint integrated lessons.
- 2.
What are the most influential components of e-learning satisfaction for EFL students in both forms of learning environments?
1.1. Theoretical Framework
The social cognitive theory developed by Bandura (1986) [
33] serves as the theoretical foundation for the examination of the levels of learning satisfaction experienced by EFL students participating in online educational settings. This theory offers a comprehensive framework for comprehending human behavior and innovative learning abilities. Accordingly, individuals learn by their own and others’ activities, which helps them to develop new analytical capabilities and behavioral patterns. When they yield satisfactory effects, their learning satisfaction and cognitive capabilities would likely be strengthened, whereas unsatisfactory results would tend to decrease their learning satisfaction and cognitive capabilities.
Following the SCT, the study focuses on examining the learner’s experience with ClassPoint-integrated EFL learning practices and their technological competencies, which are affected with the help of three determinants characterized as the components of e-learning satisfaction, which include cognitive, technological, and social environment aspects [see
Figure 1].
1.1.1. Cognitive Features
The cognitive features that influence an individual’s behavior while using e-learning platforms are termed cognitive factors. Computer self-efficacy and performance expectations are comprehended as the most significant cognitive elements affecting an individual’s behavior in the utilization of e-learning systems [
34]. Performance expectations are viewed as the individual’s beliefs regarding the effectiveness of e-learning systems in their learning outcomes. In relation to the influence of performance expectations, Venkatesh et al. (2020) [
35] provided evidence that a student’s performance expectation positively influences their learning outcomes and perceived e-learning satisfaction.
In a similar vein, computer self-efficacy is viewed as the individual’s capability to accomplish their computer-related tasks successfully. The influence of computer self-efficacy on the individual’s learning behavior has been demonstrated by Wolverton et al. (2020) [
36], who identified that it helps reduce students’ e-learning barriers and increase e-learning satisfaction.
1.1.2. Technological Environment
The learner’s interaction with appropriate technological infrastructure, e-learning platforms, and course content that influences their utilization behavior in an e-learning system, is termed the technological environment [
37]. In relation to components, system functionality and content features are recognized as the most significant elements of the technological environment for an e-learning system.
According to Pituch and Lee (2006) [
38], system functionality is comprehended as the individual’s beliefs regarding the usefulness of an e-learning system in providing access to instructional and assessment materials, while technology-based course materials, content, and assessments, are referred to as content.
Prior research has also identified that the usefulness of e-learning platforms play a vital role in enhancing the student’s online engagement and e-learning motivation [
39]. In addition, Al-Fraihat et al. (2020) [
40] identified in their research that the robustness of the technological system, service, and information, significantly influences the perceived e-learning satisfaction of students. Therefore, it is essential to have technical staff who ensure the functionality of the technological system and resolve technical issues to run the e-learning system smoothly and enable students to satisfy their learning needs.
1.1.3. Social Environment
The learner’s interaction with their teachers and peers, which influences their utilization behavior in an e-learning system, is termed the social environment [
37]. Pertaining to the components, communication and educational environment are comprehended as the most significant elements of the social environment, influencing an individual’s behavior in an e-learning system utilization.
Interaction is viewed as the social interaction and collaboration of students with their teachers and other students in an e-learning system, while the learning atmosphere of the learners is referred to as the learning climate [
34]. In relation to prior literature, Venkatesh et al. (2020) [
35] argued that social interactions and learning climate influence the student’s learning outcome positively and enhance perceived e-learning satisfaction.
4. Discussion
Echoing the central role of technology in education, the extensive utilization of ICT in teaching-learning practices has attracted research interest for many years. Likewise, the use of innovative ICT applications has been considered an essential requirement of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) settings, and several forms of interactive platforms have been applied to the EFL learning environments to enhance the student’s engagement, academic success, and learning satisfaction. Taking this into consideration, the present study provides a significant amount of information that is helpful in comprehending the role of the ClassPoint tool in strengthening the EFL student’s e-learning satisfaction through the lens of the social cognitive theory of learning satisfaction.
Firstly, unsatisfactory e-learning satisfaction was found among all the respondents of the study, before the application of the ClassPoint tool in educational practices. Quispe and Alecchi (2021) [
53] also addressed a similar constraint among higher education students and identified that the majority of students showed dissatisfaction with respect to their teacher’s instructional practices on account of inadequate management of synchronous classes, lack of feedback, and their limited interaction with their teachers. In contrast, the study by Supriyatno and Kurniawan (2020) [
54] identified a significant learning satisfaction among higher education students during the COVID-19 emergency online teaching and learning phase in Indonesia.
In relation to interventions, the use of interactive technology in teaching-learning practices has been suggested by several scholars to strengthen the EFL student’s learning satisfaction. The current study also investigated the role of an interactive digital application, i.e., the ClassPoint tool, in strengthening the EFL student’s learning satisfaction. The findings indicated that the learning satisfaction of ClassPoint-engaged EFL learners was considerably higher than the non-ClassPoint engaged EFL learners, which affirms the usefulness of the ClassPoint tool in strengthening the EFL student’s learning satisfaction. There could be several reasons for a high level of e-learning satisfaction among ClassPoint-engaged EFL learners. In this direction, the interactive and motivating aspects of the ClassPoint (an alternative form of the CRS technique) application environment [
9] can be considered as one reason for strengthening the student’s learning satisfaction, which helps students stay engaged during e-learning practices. Lee et al. (2019) [
55] also supported the use of instant response technology and specified the effectiveness of Kahoot as a game-based type of student response system in increasing active participation, enhancing academic success, and the e-learning satisfaction of students. Likewise, the interesting and entertaining aspects of the CRS technique could be the other reason for enhancing students’ learning satisfaction among ClassPoint engaged EFL learners. On the one hand, interactive game-based assessments help reduce students’ boredom, while on the other hand they enhance students’ learning satisfaction [
32]. Wang and Tahir (2020) [
17] also advocated the use of interactive game-based technological applications, i.e., Kahoot, in strengthening students’ learning satisfaction and indicated that a game-based student response system also helps teachers identify the student’s learning difficulties and thus plan strategies to overcome them. Therefore, teachers should create interesting and attractive quizzes/assessments/lessons to enhance students’ involvement and attention, which would help pave the path to attaining educational objectives.
Regarding the determinants, all the sub-components of e-learning satisfaction were significantly increased among the ClassPoint engaged learners, in comparison with the non-ClassPoint engaged learners. In relation to the most influential predictors among ClassPoint engaged learners, the highest learning satisfaction was found on account of the technological environment. This finding demonstrates coherence with the findings of previous research, which suggest that the availability of advanced technical applications, gadgets, and internet accessibility, plays a key role in attaining the academic achievement and learning satisfaction of students [
56]. Synchronically, the study by Surahman and Sulthoni (2020) [
57] identified that undergraduate students showed less enthusiasm and satisfaction with online learning as compared to traditional learning, on account of limited internet access during the COVID-19 period’s emergency remote instruction.
Regarding the non-ClassPoint learning mode, cognitive characteristics were revealed to be the greatest predictive component of e-learning satisfaction among students. This finding highlights the importance of self-efficacy in attaining success in students’ online learning satisfaction and, ultimately, outcomes. A similar finding has been reported by Aldhahi et al. (2022) [
58], who identified a substantial relationship between students’ e-learning satisfaction and online learning self-efficacy following an abrupt change to remote learning brought on by the COVID-19 phase. Likewise, the study by Rabin et al. (2020) [
59] identified that English as a second language (ESL) learners with higher self-efficacy showed higher satisfaction with online learning, as compared to the students with a low level of self-efficacy. Therefore, it is suggested that EFL teachers integrate the ClassPoint application in the CALL setting to boost students’ self-efficacy and strengthen their e-learning satisfaction.
At the same time, it was discovered that the social environment was the least predictive factor of e-learning satisfaction among learners who were not engaged in the ClassPoint-integrated educational setting. This finding signifies the importance of social interaction in teaching-learning practices, which not only enhances the students’ involvement in the learning practice but also helps acquire a productive learning climate and strengthens the students’ online learning satisfaction. This result demonstrates congruence with those of Akram et al. (2021) [
23], who identified that students’ e-learning experiences were most strongly influenced by their social settings, and they showed significant satisfaction on account of better social connection with their teachers and peers in a synchronous learning mode. Similarly, another representative study by Surahman and Sulthoni (2020) [
57] also identified that undergraduate students showed online learning dissatisfaction on account of inadequate lecturers’ guidance and interaction with their teachers and peers. It is, therefore, suggested that EFL teachers employ the ClassPoint application in teaching-learning practices to increase their students’ involvement and enrich their learning experiences by integrating interactive activities. Besides, governing bodies should gain awareness regarding newly emerged interactive digital applications and make teachers familiar with them so that they may implement them successfully in their instructional practices. Furthermore, university management should monitor their students’ learning satisfaction and lecturers’ teaching practices constantly, to ensure the effectiveness of e-learning programs and organize remedial plans accordingly.