Abstract: Students perceive online courses differently than traditional courses. Negative
perceptions can lead to unfavourable learning outcomes including decreased
motivation and persistence. Throughout this review, a broad range of factors that
affect performance and satisfaction within the online learning environment for
adult learners will be examined including learning outcomes, instructional design
and learner characteristics, followed by suggestions for further research, and
concluding with implications for online learning pertinent to administrators,
instructors, course designers and students. Online learning may not be appropriate
for every student. Identifying particular characteristics that contribute to online
success versus failure may aid in predicting possible learning outcomes and save
students from enrolling in online courses if this type of learning environment is
not appropriate for them. Furthermore, knowing these learner attributes may assist
faculty in designing quality online courses to meet students’ needs. Adequate
instructional methods, support, course structure and design can facilitate student
performance and satisfaction.