The Acceptability of E-Learning formats within the population

Abstract

The politically benefited expansion of scientific further education at universities is supposed to contribute chances of participation for different target groups. The configuration of digital teaching-learning-arrangements as a part of the digitalisation offers opportunities to achieve this goal (Arnold et al., 2018). But how about the acceptability of online and distance learning programmes as a part of e-learning in adult further education on behalf of a potential regional target group within the population? This is what this article pursues based on empirical data from a survey (521 respondents) by the project «EB» realised in the region Westpfalz. The results show that especially people without experience in using e-learning formats refuse to participate. Individual characteristics and characteristics of the learning environment which can possibly carry the refusing attitude towards e-learning formats are identified. Wishes concerning the formal configuration of adult further education programmes expressed by those people are integrated. Furthermore, thoughts about strategies of how to increase acceptability of e-learning programmes will be considered.