Receptivity to distance learning: The effects of technology, reputation, constraints, and learning preferences

Recentgrowth in distance learning (DL) represents a significant change to management edu-cation. Notwithstanding its irnportance, research on DL is at an early stage of development, particularly in understanding the effect of technology perceptions on students ' receptivity to-ward DL. This study of 399 students at two universities investigates the role of perceived technology usefulness, technologicalfamiliarity and accessibility, reputation, constraints, learn-ingprefirences, and demographicfactors on prospective receptivity toward DL. The results revealsignificant relationships between many of these variables and DL receptivity, suggesting new challenges and opportunities for educators. 'hey also indicate that some traditionally held assumptions, for example those regarding accessibility, reputation, and constraints, may not be valid in the new high-tech DL environment Implications of thefindings are discussed (Keywords: distance learning, intention, survey, technology) Since the recent explosive growth of the Internet and other interactive com-munication technologies (Ragothaman & Hoadley, 1997) in distance educa-tion, this old and venerable alternative (Phillips, 1998) to traditional classroo