Vol 3 No 1 (2009) Quality Assurance and Open and Distance Learning Implementation

John M. Keller - Florida State University, USA

Abstract

A key issue in managing open, distance, and  e-learning (ODEL) systems is to sustain high levels of productive student participation and  achievement. This is evidenced by the frequently cited problems of high  levels of dropout, procrastination, and inconsistent levels of achievement that occur in ODEL courses. This presentation will propose that student support for motivation and volition, which refers to self regulatory behaviors, is a means of sustaining student participation and achievement. Furthermore, this presentation will describe 1) a systematic process for determining what the motivational and volitional issues are with a given audience in a given learning environment, and 2) an innovative process for designing and delivering motivational and volitional messages via e-mail that are targeted to both pre-specified and serendipitous motivational problems that occur within a course. Following the introduction, the presentation will briefly describe five "first principles" of motivation and volition. These principles can be considered to be necessary elements of any learning environment that successfully stimulates and sustains learner performance. Next, a process for analyzing audiences to determine what the primary motivational and  volitional problems are in a given situation will be described. The presentation will close by describing the concept of motivational messages. how they can be designed based on the results of the motivational and volitional analysis. and how they can be employed in ODEL courses.