Factors affecting students’ attitudes towards online learning - The case of Sofia University

Abstract

Distance education is becoming more and more popular in higher education in Bulgaria and it is increasingly preferred by the students from all age groups. In order to provide quality education, higher education institutions should be aware of students’ needs and expectations and, on this basis, to search for effective strategies and solutions for introducing distance education. The answer to the question: “What are the attitudes of students to online learning and distance education?” has a significant role in developing and implementing pedagogically effective online curricula. It could also facilitate the process of accrediting more distance education programs at Sofia University (Bulgaria) which is a campus-based university at the stage of transformation of its educational model from face-to-face to online learning. The paper presents the attitudes and perspectives of 590 undergraduate students of the Sofia University towards online learning and distance education. The main aim of the study is to determine the influence and dependencies of different factors on the attitudes of the students to online learning and distance education. The interrelations between students’ attitudes and their demographics, the experience of using the technologies in everyday life and the experience of using technologies in an educational context are analysed. Conclusions drawn would be useful for the academic community and everyone concerned with the planning, development and implementation of strategies for online learning and distance education in a campus based university in a transition to distance education.