Analysis of Differences in Student Opinions as e-Learning Management Support Darko Duki Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Physics Trg Ljudevita Gaja 6, 31000 Osijek, Croatia darko.dukic@fizika.unios.hr Gordana Duki Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Philosophy Department of Information Sciences Lorenza Jägera 9, 31000 Osijek, Croatia gdukic@ffos.hr Mate Sesar Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Agroeconomics Trg Sv. Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia matesesar@net.hr Abstract. In order to achieve effective e-learning management, it is necessary to take into consideration different aspects related to its implementation. One of the most important activities is surveying users' opinions. The data obtained in such opinion polls help to identify problems in system functioning and start handling those issues. Since e-learning is being introduced into parts of Croatian higher education at differing paces, the aim of the research presented in this paper was to investigate how this situation is reflected in student perceptions. The scientific area of a particular institution, i.e. faculty or department where students are enrolled, was taken as the criterion variable. Within the research, we have calculated basic descriptive statistics, and conducted the analysis of variance and the discriminant analysis. Keywords. E-learning management, student opinions, examining the differences, analysis of variance, discriminant analysis 1. Introduction The education system, especially in the developed countries of the world, has been going through dramatic changes under the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT). Until recently, quality interaction between learners and teachers was inconceivable without their direct contact. Since this relationship is no longer limited by the dimension of space, the traditional classroom has ceased to be viewed as an indispensable link in the knowledge acquisition process. In this way, learners are provided the opportunity to determine their own pace of learning and become more accountable for their education. Clearly, in such circumstances, learner motivation is an important factor in completing study programs. The basic task of e-learning management is to effectively meet the needs and requirements of its users. To fulfil this task, management needs to comprehend properly different aspects of system functioning, with special emphasis on examining the attitudes and opinions of individuals being educated in this manner. In order to obtain relevant information required to make decisions for e-learning management, such surveys should be continually conducted. This paper presents the results of student attitudes analysis at the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. Given the fact that the process of introducing e-learning into the Croatian higher education system is not proceeding at a uniform pace, the research objective was to examine the ways this situation impacts student perceptions, especially their 363 Proceedings of the ITI 2009 31 st Int. Conf. on Information Technology Interfaces, June 22-25, 2009, Cavtat, Croatia