Title
Escape from infinite freedom: Effects of constraining user freedom on the prevention of dropout in an online learning context.
Abstract
Online learning involving Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) is often used to avoid the physical limitations of offline learning. In addition, educational equality can be achieved by redistributing sunk costs in the online context. However, the dropout rate represents a serious and avoidable waste of economic resources. Numerous researchers have conducted studies on the subject, the large majority of whom outlined possible causes of the dropout phenomenon rather than offering solutions to reduce the dropout problem in e-learning. To remedy this, we propose practical system features to counteract the dropout rate in online learning. Through original use of psychological reactance theory (Brehm, 1966) as our main theoretical framework, we make two suggestions: restricting accessibility and limiting repeatability of online courses. These two measures create a sense of scarcity and lack of control, which may help to reduce dropout rates. In an experiment using our e-learning prototype, we analyzed data collected through a survey/questionnaire and interviews with subjects after the experiment. The results indicate that the perception of scarcity and lack of control in the online learning context may enhance e-learners’ concentration and increase their intention to continue and engage more deeply in online learning.
Year
DOI
Venue
2017
10.1016/j.chb.2016.09.019
Computers in Human Behavior
Keywords
Field
DocType
Online learning,Dropout,Psychological reactance,Experiment design,Concentration on video lecture,Intention to countinue
Social psychology,Offline learning,Online learning,Reactance,Scarcity,Sunk costs,Psychology,Phenomenon,Perception,Limiting
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
66
C
0747-5632
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
3
0.48
23
Authors
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Tae-dong Kim130.48
Min-young Yang230.82
Jinhwa Bae330.48
Byoung-a Min430.48
Inseong Lee534321.78
Jinwoo Kim61918168.52