ABSTRACT
The chapter introduces readers to the concept of motivation in distance education. After providing a definition, the conceptual foundations of motivation to learn are briefly outlined. This is followed by a discussion of motivation theories, concepts, and research findings from a broad range of distance education learning contexts. An organizing framework is adopted to aid the understanding of complex theories, concepts and evidence in terms of expectancy-value aspects of motivation. Strategies for promoting motivation, as an integral part of learning design, are offered encompassing consideration of learners, pedagogical practices, as well as social and contextual factors.
