Gregg Kowalsky

Instructors can use direct communication to evaluate motivation by discussing goals and expectations. 

In an online learning environment, students inherently have a degree of control and ownership over their schedules, including when they work on course material and for how long. For adult learners, this autonomy can foster motivation by giving them a greater sense of responsibility and ownership over their education. In this sense, online learners experience a level of autonomy from the outset that may not be as readily available in traditional classroom settings.

Providing students with the information that will be covered each day in the beginning of class can help students feel more secure. 

Connecting assignments to real-world applications can increase a student's motivation.