Individual characteristics and distance education success : investigating the role of psychological traits

This paper discusses the role that personality characteristics, specifically an individual\u27s core self-evaluations, play in providing positive distance learning, performance and satisfaction. Drawing from the broader remote work research and the Distance Education Candidate Model (Van Slyke, Kittner, & Belanger, 1998) this paper conducted a field study using a survey instrument to measure the influence of an individual\u27s core self-evaluations on the performance, and satisfaction of individuals involved in a distance-learning course. Data were collected from 142 undergraduate students who completed a web-based version of an introductory management information systems course. Results showed that core self-evaluations did not have an influence on the outcomes of distance-education as a whole. Yet, the research evidenced that computer self-efficacy, self-esteem or locus of control impacted satisfaction perceived performance and actual performance