Situational Motivation and Participation in Online Discussion: A Cross-Case Study

• In Event: Studying How Learning Design Decisions Contribute to the Learner Experience in Online Environments

Abstract

This qualitative cross-case study explored how course context, such as course design, facilitation, and community, supports students’ basic psychological needs and thus shapes their situational motivation to participate in asynchronous online discussions in different course contexts. Three upper-level undergraduate courses in different disciplines were investigated. All three courses were fully online courses and utilized asynchronous online discussion as one of the regular class activities. Overall, this case study added to previous findings about course design factors affecting participation by answering the “how” question instead of the “what” question which was the focus of most previous studies. This study also provided some answers about the “reasons” behind the intertwined relationships between the course elements, needs satisfaction, and learner motivation.

Authors

• Hajeen Choi, Bowling Green State University
  Presenting Author

• Vanessa Paz Dennen, Florida State University
  Non-Presenting Author