Essential learner characteristics in distance education according to experts

Abstract

The importance and impact of distance education are increasing thereby making it imperative to study its effectiveness and efficiency as regards student success. In this study, we focused on the importance of factors related to student success and priorities in distance education according to experts. We conducted a literature review for developing a spectrum of variables, as well as a survey method for collecting expert views to determine their order of importance. We scanned WoS-indexed journals in the Web of Science database using these variables, adding the keywords “online learning” and “distance education” between 2010 and 2022 to calculate the frequencies of the variables in research papers to confirm our proposed variables. We took the views of 15 academics working in the field of distance education to determine their priorities. According to the results, self-regulation was the most important learner characteristic for success in distance education. This variable was followed by learning self-efficacy, motivation, technology self-efficacy, cognitive learning strategies, goal setting, metacognitive skills, attitude towards e-learning, locus of control, and academic self-concept. These variables should be considered in instructional design processes, and be monitored and developed in distance learners for success.