Retention in online courses: Using a motivational framework and online peers to enlighten potential learners about learning online

Abstract

Despite the exponential growth in online learning, student retention rates in the online environment remain a concern to educators. Online learning @ UniSA is a learning object aimed at laying foundations for online learning for prospective students. It uses the voices of student peers to explore the qualities needed to succeed. Through the insights of four students and their facilitator, prospective online learners can make an informed choice about whether online study is likely to suit their own situation. Preliminary data supports the authors hypothesis that the web site has allowed prospective students to select online study with their eyes wide open to what this choice really means.