Incorporating Motivational Elements in a Web-Based Learning Environment for Distance Students: A Malaysian Experience

摘要

The Internet has prompted educational institutions world wide to deliver their distance learning programmes via the Web. Malaysian institutions are following suit. However, the success of Web-based distance learning programmes is largely dependent on how well we keep the students sufficiently interested, energized and enthusiastic to complete the degree requirements. There are techniques that designers and instructors can use to make the virtual learning environment attractive and meaningful. As such, the virtual learning team at the International Medical University developed a motivation model based on Hor-ton's recommendations for a motivating environment to help sustain the students' interest. VENuS (Virtual Education for Nursing Sciences) was developed not only using the systematic model of instructional design but had also applied the motivation model. The paper describes the application of the model and highlights the feedback received on the prototype.