There are traditional learning experiences and distance learning experiences that students bring to a distant environment. When learners are successful in their distance courses, they are more likely to continue in future distant courses (Simonson, Smaldino, Zvacek, 2015). "By knowing more about the learners (i.e., their background knowledge, their interests, their goals), it will be possible to design instruction to facilitate successful learning" (Simonson, Smaldino, Zvacek, 2015, p.193).