Students` Trust in Distance Learning: Changes in Satisfaction and Significance

Abstract

This research addresses the differences in the perception of quality by gender and by attitude toward distance learning opportunities in an e-learning environment. We have conducted a research on a population of 68 students enrolled for the first time on distance learning studies of Belgrade University. Using a paired sample t-test, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA, we have proven that there is no significant difference in students' satisfaction with distance learning during the semester (t=1.796, p=0.078), in satisfaction by gender (t=-1.176, p=0.244) and that three groups of students with different attitudes toward learning opportunities have different degree satisfaction with distance learning studies (F=9.954, p<0.001). Satisfaction is important for developing trust in distance learning, as elaborated in the article. Using a post hoc analysis we have explained the differences and proposed implications for the learning process.