This study investigated the influences of learning styles/preferences, prior computer skills and experience with online courses on adult learners' knowledge acquisition in a web-based special education course. Forty-six adult learners who enrolled in a web-based special education course participated in the study. The results of the study showed that (a) learning styles/preferences had significant effects on adult students' knowledge acquisition, and (b) there is a moderate positive correlation between computer skills and students' success. Data analysis also showed that there is no relationship between prior experiences with online courses and success in a web-based course. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)