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<p>This study explores how social connections such as peer interactions, instructor support, and community engagement and technical competencies including digital literacy, platform navigation, and self-regulated learning influence online learner retention. It aims to identify key drivers of retention and propose integrated strategies combining social and technical support to improve long-term learner engagement in digital education. A quantitative research approach was adopted, with data collected from 362 online learners using a structured survey. Stratified random sampling ensured a diverse representation across demographics and course types. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 28.0, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.859), correlation, multiple regression, ANOVA, and factor analysis. Social presence and technical competency both showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with online learner retention β values for predictors (SP = 0.385, PI = 0.412), model variance explained (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.4366, F = 27.482, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and mediation test results. (r = 0.592 and r = 0.561, respectively; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Social presence explained 35.1% of the variance in retention (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.351), while technical competency explained 31.4% (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.314). A combined model including peer interaction and social presence accounted for 43.66% of the variance, and another with technical competency and learner satisfaction explained 50.71%. Mediation analysis confirmed the indirect influence of peer interaction and learner satisfaction on retention outcomes. The results affirm the importance of fostering both social engagement and technical preparedness to support online learners. Integrating peer support, instructor interaction, user-friendly platforms, and digital learning tools significantly improves learner satisfaction and long-term retention. This study uniquely integrates social and technical dimensions to understand online learner retention. The findings offer practical insights and strategies for educators, platform designers, and policymakers to enhance learner commitment, engagement, and success in digital learning environments.</p>

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Understanding online learner retention: the interplay between social connections and technical competencies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月19日

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  • Sabastian Satish J,
  • Sankara Moorthy K

摘要

This study explores how social connections such as peer interactions, instructor support, and community engagement and technical competencies including digital literacy, platform navigation, and self-regulated learning influence online learner retention. It aims to identify key drivers of retention and propose integrated strategies combining social and technical support to improve long-term learner engagement in digital education. A quantitative research approach was adopted, with data collected from 362 online learners using a structured survey. Stratified random sampling ensured a diverse representation across demographics and course types. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 28.0, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.859), correlation, multiple regression, ANOVA, and factor analysis. Social presence and technical competency both showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with online learner retention β values for predictors (SP = 0.385, PI = 0.412), model variance explained (R2 = 0.4366, F = 27.482, p < 0.001), and mediation test results. (r = 0.592 and r = 0.561, respectively; p < 0.001). Social presence explained 35.1% of the variance in retention (R2 = 0.351), while technical competency explained 31.4% (R2 = 0.314). A combined model including peer interaction and social presence accounted for 43.66% of the variance, and another with technical competency and learner satisfaction explained 50.71%. Mediation analysis confirmed the indirect influence of peer interaction and learner satisfaction on retention outcomes. The results affirm the importance of fostering both social engagement and technical preparedness to support online learners. Integrating peer support, instructor interaction, user-friendly platforms, and digital learning tools significantly improves learner satisfaction and long-term retention. This study uniquely integrates social and technical dimensions to understand online learner retention. The findings offer practical insights and strategies for educators, platform designers, and policymakers to enhance learner commitment, engagement, and success in digital learning environments.