Study to Investigate Learning Motivation Factors within Formal and Informal Learning Environments and their influence upon Web-Based Learning

Abstract

Learning is a cognitive process that occurs either in a formal or informal learning environment, by way of adopting either formal or informal learning process. While the significance of former has been widely accepted, later is still researched and lacks relevant studies on its implications for web-based learning, especially by way of instigating learning motivation. This paper presents descriptive analysis of learning motivation factors within (i) formal and informal learning environments, and (ii) formal and informal learning processes, and then examines their influence on web-based learning by computing Pearson correlations. To achieve study objectives, the paper discusses relevant literature and then conceptualizes a research model to be tested through a survey based questionnaire. Formal learning process is discussed with reference to learning activities as promoted by formal learning institutes, while informal learning process is examined by way of investigating learning motivation factors associated with (i) video-games, (ii) social networking websites and (iii) motion-pictures. Results illustrate interesting revelation of learning motivational factors, particularly motivational factors associated with informal learning environment and processes have been found to have a statistically significant relationship with web-based learning. The paper concludes implications of the statistical findings for designing of cognitively engaging web-based learning environments.