A variety of issues
affect distant learning success. Students, faculty, and administrators alike
overcome obstacles to reach success. While motivation is a natural
characteristic for some, others possess a void creating a barrier for success.
By definition, motivation is “the process whereby goal-directed activity is
instigated and sustained” (Harnett, 2010, pg. 439). Truly, motivation is a key
element to achievement along every education path. Research
suggests that distant learning students require greater motivation in order to
accomplish goals when compared to students in the traditional classroom setting
(Harnett, St. George, & Dron, 2011). Furthermore, studies link poor
motivation to the high dropout rates and noncompliance in distant learning
courses (Harnett et. al., 2011). Clearly, lack of motivation is an issue
impacting distant-education learning.