An analysis of motivation orientations and social interaction on successful and poor learners in an e-learning environment

This research study investigated the effects of motivation orientations and social interaction on students' academic performance and learning satisfaction. Two hundred and seventy nine junior and senior undergraduate students, currently studying online at Saint Leo University, participated in this study. The study also identified influences of motivation orientations and social interaction on learners' academic performance and learning satisfaction in an e-learning environment. Multiple regressions were used to analyze complex sets of data.;The only variable that appeared to be a predictor of successful learning outcomes was family status (married). It appears that when a single student married the student's learning outcomes (GPA) dropped.;Learners with a lower GPA displayed those four variables of significance: age, family status, employment status, and social interaction. Binary logistic regression showed that intrinsic motivation played an important role in this study when lower and higher performing learners were combined after covariates were controlled.;The results of this research provided a body of knowledge for academic advisors and faculty to emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivation and social interaction in promoting students' learning satisfaction and academic achievement in the online teaching environment.;Findings showed that intrinsic motivation predicted students' learning satisfaction after the covariates were controlled. Intrinsic motivation and social interaction did not show a significant contribution to students' learning outcomes (GPA). The result also indicated that grade point average (GPA) may not be an effective index for presenting students' learning outcome.