Perceptions of quality in e-learning:a case study

Abstract

Departing from an online survey targeted at trainees of e-learning courses intended for professional training, which was preceded by an exploratory qualitative study, we propose future utility as an important dimension in the appraisal of the quality of elearning. Our results show that future utility is the second most important dimension of quality in e-learning for professional training, following satisfaction. We also conclude that three major factors explain the perception of quality: training attitudes, training process, and training utility. Additional conclusions are that final motivation and perceptions of quality are affected by the length of the course, that professional certification courses lead to higher perceptions of immediate and future utility, and that perceptions of value are also related to utility. These findings are particularly useful for those who plan or design e-learning courses and are interested in the impact of the training processes.