The supportive distance learning environment: A study on the learning support needs of Malaysian online learners

This paper reports on a qualitative research study designed to explore the perception of a supportive distance learning environment and the needs of learners of an online distance learning Finance course offered by University Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The focus of the research was the learners' own reflection of their personal, academic and social needs as they trudged into the online learning environment.