Predicting Learner Engagement in Self-Directed Online Language Courses: An Application of Self-Determination Theory to the Altissia Platform

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-408-2_64How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Self-Determination Theory; Language Learning Platform; Engagement

Abstract

This study aims to understand learners’ motivation and engagement on the anapec-langues.ma online language learning platform. The platform was launched through a partnership between the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) in Morocco and the language learning platform Altissia.

A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed. A survey was distributed to platform users to collect data on perceived need satisfaction and self-reported engagement based on Self-Determination Theory. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with users to gain qualitative insights.

Quantitative regression analysis identified relationships between psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness, and levels of engagement. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts provided contextual under-standing of motivational processes.

Results from the regression analysis found some support for relationships predicted by Self-Determination Theory, such as a link between autonomy and engagement. However, relationships for other needs were unclear. Inter-view findings highlighted both positive and negative influencers of motivation for different learners.

Overall, this study provides an initial exploration of factors predicting sustained engagement of diverse learners in an autonomous online language environment. Further research is needed to better understand motivational complexity for self-directed language learners. Insights can inform efforts to optimize learner experience and outcomes.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Khalid Mhamdi
AU  - Meriem Marhraoui
AU  - Ilham Chniete
AU  - Mohamed Abdelbassat Salhi
AU  - Mehdi Kaddouri
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/06/20
TI  - Predicting Learner Engagement in Self-Directed Online Language Courses: An Application of Self-Determination Theory to the Altissia Platform
BT  - Proceedings of the E-Learning and Smart Engineering Systems (ELSES 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 891
EP  - 908
SN  - 2667-128X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-408-2_64
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-408-2_64
ID  - Mhamdi2025
ER  -