Learning Attitude, Motivation and Preferences of Online Learners

In the present paper, we report our study on attitude, motivation and preferences of online learners in two open universities in India. We have investigated, on a sample of 272 online learners, areas such as difficulties faced in web-based learning, and the preferences for plalforms, support structure, mode of interaction, and pedagogic and technological ingredients for successful online self-learning. The findings show that the online learners preferred web-based learning supported by printed self-learning materials, and some form of online and/or f2f interaction. The other support structures included email facility with instructor and peers, interactive materials on CDROM, and web-based materials. The preferred web-based components included images, video clips, animation, audio and hyperlinks. The preferred modes of interaction were suggested to include discussion groups, online assignment and feedback, voice-based online chatting and online mentoring support.