OLJJun 1, 2026
Editorial: June 2026
Professional conferences bridge virtual gaps and foster critical collaborations to disseminate online learning research.
eLearn MagazineAugust 13, 2026
Locus of Control in eLearning in Higher Education
Alycia Harris
Helping online learners build an internal locus of control through supportive feedback and early successes boosts academic achievement.
What it found
This article explores how locus of control—whether students believe success comes from their own efforts or external forces—affects online learners in higher education. It finds that students with an internal locus of control achieve better academic outcomes and demonstrate higher personal agency. Conversely, an external locus of control is linked to feelings of helplessness, which can be exacerbated by early course experiences and the nature of feedback received.
What it means for your work
To support an internal locus of control, instructional designers should structure online courses with early, low-stakes activities to build confidence. Designers should also construct actionable, effort-focused feedback loops that emphasize student agency. Providing clear navigation and self-regulation tools can further empower learners to manage their own learning paths.
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