In this study, 52 students in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia used an e-learning system to study a chemistry topic. Students' e-learning activities were recorded, and their perceptions and expectations regarding e-learning were determined via an open-ended questionnaire after the study. There were more students who perceived e-learning as a difficult system to use than those who found it suitable. Most students did only few quizzes and spent less time on e-learning materials. Low activity in e-learning was related to conventional classroom instruction that had been accustomed practice and to the difficulty of reading materials on the screen. This study found students' expectations for e-learning in terms of design, content, and learning atmosphere. First, it is important to design a readable website by choosing the best line length, line height, font style, font size, and font-background color combination. Next, the provision of instructional videos and pictures, comprehensive resources and worked-out examples would develop students' self-confidence to learn through e-learning. Lastly, social features namely synchronous discussion forum and display of online users were noted to sustain students' interest in e-learning.