武汉田野中医按摩学校:Attitudes, Value, Beliefs and Succeeding at eLearning

The Affective Domain and eLearning Success: 
Attitudes, Values, Beliefs, Opinions, Interests, Motivation

Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.

If you're used to face-to-face courses and traditional formats, you probably feel fairly comfortable and confident. But why do you feel so good about what you're doing?   You probably have a good attitude about the course, the delivery format, and the instructional strategy. 

Chances are, you have a good attitude because you've succeeded in many similar situations and you're not worried a bit about what you have to do.  You trust the teaching method, and you're convinced that you can learn, and that you can demonstrate what you've learned.

When it comes to online courses -- eLearning that involves Web-based learning, mobile learning, or perhaps a combination of handhelds, laptops, and interactive devices -- you're not so comfortable.  In fact, you might feel awkward, uncomfortable, even defensive and nervous. 

Why the difference?

It all boils down to the "affective domain."  That's the term that instructional psychologists use to describe the realm of feelings and emotions as they apply to learning.

The affective domain includes attitude, values, beliefs, opinions, interests, motivation, and even basic emotions such as fear, joy, anger, and sadness.

The elements in the affective domain are almost always key determinants in whether or not you, the e-learner, succeed in your course, and whether or not you perceive you had a positive experience.

How can you use this information to improve your chances of success, even enjoyment in your course?  You can start by building a framework for the affective domain, and equiping yourself with what you need.

What are the elements to include in the framework?  How can you construct them so that you're able to manage them?  Here are the elements, and here are suggestions for putting them together.

1.  Attitude. Attitude can be viewed in general terms as one's tendency or predisposition to respond positively or negatively toward things, people, places, events, concepts, and ideas (Koballa, 2008).    The first step is to become aware of your attitudes toward distance learning, online instructors, the software, the technology, and your fellow students.  Once you identify where you may have a negative reaction, then, find out what is shaping your attitude.  Once you identify the points of stress, are you able to change your attitude by adjusting your attitudes or beliefs?  Often, your self-investigation will reveal that many of your attitudes are shaped by fear of the unknown and/or fear of failure.  Find activities that help you assuage your fears.  Talk to someone.  Practice the technology.  Buy better equipment.  Read your materials.  Tell yourself that you like adventure, and you thrive in an intellectually challenging environment.

2.  Values. Keep in mind that values tend to be less malleable than attitudes.  Your values tend to be strong and enduring.  So, with that in mind, use your values as muscle.  Put your values to work.  If you value education, knowledge, learning, and respect, remind yourself of that.  Keep in mind that your regard for education can help you overcome your fears.

3.  Belief and attitude work together. They mediate, modify, and alter behavior.  This is a powerful insight. Think of the implications.  If you don't believe in the efficacy of elearning, then your behavior will demonstrate that.  You will not attack your lessons in an enthusiastic way.  You'll hang back and resist purchasing the equipment you need.  You'll behave unenthusiastically in the collaborative activities you need to do (discussion board, sharing messages / IM / twitter, posting portfolio materials).

4.  Need to change your attitude? Look to your instructor for help and guidance.  Studies have shown that a positive attitude from your instructor can work wonders (Glynn & Koballa, 2006). If he/she demonstrates a positive belief in you, and has a supportive, encouraging approach to you, you're likely to start forming more positive beliefs about yourself and your ability to succeed. Further, you're more likely to enjoy what you're doing.

5.  Becoming a self-starter (self-efficacy). A well-designed instructional strategy or lesson plan will capture your interest, engage your feelings, and entice you to start trying out the activities, even before instructed to do so. 

6.  Believing in yourself and your power to positively change your situation (self-determination, self-belief). One way to bolster your confidence is to actively tell yourself how your academic activities are worthwhile and meaningful. Further, you should tell yourself how much they will positively impact or influence your personal life. Map out the ways in which your academic activities will lead to your achieving your goals. Then, be sure to practices sufficiently in order to alleviate any assessment anxiety you might have.

7.  Motivation.  There are number of tried and true ways to bolster your motivation in an eLearning context. 

1. First, is to reinforce to yourself the positive benefits of what you're doing. 
2. Second, look at what you'll get. What are the rewards?  Are they extrinsic (raise? promotion? new job?)  Are they intrinsic? (you love the topic? you are interested in the subject?). 
3. Finally, how can you set goals? What is the best way to break down the task into small tasks? 

8.  Self-determination gives you a better sense of control. In e-learning, having the flexibility to the tasks at a convenient time and location, and to have choices about the topics you write about, what you study, what you discuss, can make a huge difference. When possible, remind yourself of where and when you have choices. That will build your sense of self-determination.

As you read these points and suggestions, you may be feeling a bit of anxiety. If so, relax. Keep in mind that a certain level of anxiety is, in reality, motivating. So, whenever you feel nervous about new challenges or changes in your online education experience, tell yourself it is a good thing. You're keeping your edge. You'll succeed.