Motivational factors influencing students' use of online courses: An exploratory analysis

In comparison to traditional university courses, e-learning and blended learning courses require somewhat different sets of skills and competencies from students. Information literacy skills, online communication and collaboration skills, time management skills, a greater degree of motivation, and use of specific learning strategies are among the most important factors for completion of online courses. This paper analyzes the factors related to the motivation of students to participate in online courses. In our preliminary empirical study three factors of motivation to use online courses in a higher education blended learning environment were identified: intrinsic motivational elements, extrinsic motivational elements, and e-learning competency or self-efficacy related elements. The results were discussed in concordance with contemporary literature on such motivational factors in e-learning, including some practical implications for design of e-learning courses.