FIVE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTIVATION AND VOLITION IN TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED DISTRIBUTED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Resumo

Many studies have been carried out investigating the differences between the various types of distance learning environments, including face-to-face learning, with respect to motivating learners. But what is often overlooked is that the fundamental requirements for motivating learners and helping them persist until their goals are accomplished are the same for all types of learning environments. The means by which these requirements are accomplished may differ, but the underlying principles are the same and serve to guide both research and practice. This paper presents five fundamental requirements, or principles, derived from a synthesis of research on motivation and persistence. The theoretical foundations for these requirements are described together with research that supports their conceptual validity. In addition, the paper presents several recent and current applied research studies which contribute to the predictive validity of the principles; that is, studies which demonstrate that if the principles are followed, there will be improvements in motivation and learning.