In the Flow: A Case Study on Self-paced Digital Distance Learning on Business Information Systems

Abstract

This paper investigates the acceptance of a self-paced digital distance learning environment on courses about Business Information Systems and Management & Control of IT at a university. The aim of the environment was to avoid monotony and to actively involve the students into their learning process. The course content was split into small units arranged onto an online roadmap. Different design elements were used along the progress on the roadmap, each adding to the content, contributing to clarification, understanding, repetition or memorization. Students could proceed at their own pace, but there was a timetable for discussing the content in accompanying videoconferences and corresponding deadlines for the tasks to be completed. The concept was evaluated in a real-life learning situation following the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), slightly modified to the context. The case study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a selection of design elements that can be combined to enrich students’ learning experiences. The outcomes of the evaluation underline the importance of “flow” for the acceptance of e-learning environments.