Abstract AIM E-learning is increasingly used in education, creating a learning environment that needs to be studied thoroughly for developing new learning opportunities. BACKGROUND Drawing from the community of inquiry framework, the present work provides the theoretical foundation and measurement validation of the Self-Perceived E-Learning Environment Scale (SEES). The SEES measures core aspects of the e-learning context: autonomous strategic planning, social interaction, and teacher feedback. METHOD Through two studies carried out in sample of nursing students, an exploratory ( n = 302) and confirmatory ( n = 245) factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. RESULT The results provide empirical evidence of appropriate psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, validity). CONCLUSION The SEES can be used in a higher education context, particularly in nursing education programs. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications for exploring the e-learning environment in nursing educational settings are discussed.