The key factors for acquired knowledge through e-learning

In the paper, some study results of the key factors that have impact on acquired knowledge in a blended learning course are presented. The study derives from two groups of research activities the results of which are presented in the paper – the research on student dropout and research on learning outcomes. The experience of e-learning implementation in a business school in higher education is included in the research as well. The research is based on nine hypotheses about the impact on student success in a blended learning course. An e-learning course is considered successful if students gain more knowledge than they do in a traditional course. Different e-learning characteristics were investigated on the sample of 339 undergraduate students. The regression analysis was used to identify the variables that have significant impact on the acquired knowledge. More knowledge participating in a blended learning course was acquired by part-time students, by students whose personal characteristics studying online improved, by the students who were able to use different e-business services, who were more motivated in their studies and by the students for whom the course performance was acceptable. At the end of our research, three main factors were isolated as the key factors for the success of blended learning courses in small educational environment – course performance, output characteristics and tutor support.