Relying on text­based instruction may be disenfranchising many students, whilst technology enhanced environments can provide significant advantages to a growing market of non­traditional learners. This paper reports on research investigating the perceptions of first year distance education students studying a foundation communications course using a multimodal learning environment. It demonstrates higher levels of engagement are possible when a neomillennial learning approach is adopted for designing course materials catering to a diverse student body, whilst maintaining a balanced environment for more traditional learners. A strong acceptance was moderated by a desire to still receive some print­based materials. However, students reported a preference to receive an electronic version when given a choice.