ERIC Number: EJ1104459
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1528-5804
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Motivation in an Online Context: A Case Study
Hartnett, Maggie; St. George, Alison; Dron, Jon
Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE Journal), v14 n1 p31-53 2014
With the increasing ubiquity of new technologies, many claims are being made about their potential to transform tertiary education. In order for this transformation to be realized, however, a range of issues needs to be addressed. Research evidence suggests that motivation is an important consideration for online learners. This paper reports on one aspect of a case study situated within a larger study that investigates the nature of motivation to learn of preservice teachers in an online environment. Using self-determination theory as an analytical framework, the focus here is on the underlying concepts of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The ways in which certain social and contextual factors can foster perceptions of these needs being met are explored. These factors are known to have a supportive effect on learner motivation. Most prominent among these were the relevance of the learning activity, the provision of clear guidelines, and the ongoing support and feedback from the lecturer that was responsive to learners' needs. Supportive, caring relationships were also important.
Descriptors: Student Motivation, Case Studies, Preservice Teachers, Online Courses, Self Determination, Personal Autonomy, Competence, Social Influences, Context Effect, Relevance (Education), Interpersonal Relationship, Foreign Countries, Social Studies, Educational Technology, Qualitative Research, Coding, Questionnaires, Interviews
Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Fax: 828-246-9557; Web site: http://www.citejournal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A