A Study of the Factors Governing Viability of Online Distance Education: Student Perceptions of the Experience

The study reported in this paper assesses the responses of students in a online distance education course against a series of perceived advantages and disadvantages, their views of the tasks assigned and their individual characteristics. The results show a mix of advantages present and disadvantages absent and provides an insight into task design and individual suitability. The paper also gives some guidance as to whether the perceptions will change with experience. Although the sample size is small and there is a self-selection bias, the results of the study reported in this paper suggests that some students see on-line distance education in a very positive light, that these perceptions don't change with experience and that the learning outcomes can be positive.