Online learning: attitudes, expectations and prejudices of adult novices

The main attitudes, expectations and misconceptions of adult novices towards online learning have been investigated through a survey carried out within two different web-based courses. The data emerged from the two contexts showed several similarities: the reasons for the choice of the online approach, a positive perception of the method, a negative perception of the heavy commitment required, some resistance due to logistic and cultural difficulties. The main misconceptions include the tendency to overestimate the time flexibility offered by the collaborative approach and the inclination to underestimate the commitment required and the educational potential of written communication.