First-Year Students’ Motivations and Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Online Study

Hanne Kristin Dypedal; Per Ivar Kjaergaard

doi:10.65043/eurodl.172

First-Year Students’ Motivations and Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Online Study

European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1

By: Hanne Kristin Dypedal and Per Ivar Kjaergaard

Open Access

|Oct 2026

Abstract

While online students have traditionally been older adults balancing education with work and family, the number of younger students choosing fully online programs as their first experience with higher education is rapidly increasing. This emerging group remains understudied, as existing research on online learning largely reflects the experiences of adult learners. This article examines young students’ motivations for choosing fully online studies as their first experience with higher education and how their self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies influence academic persistence. Based on semi-structured interviews with five online students and a thematic analysis, we identified four main motivations: (1) flexibility and autonomy, (2) combining studies with other commitments, (3) using online education as a transitional strategy, and (4) the intrinsic value of learning. Students highlighted SRL strategies such as planning with milestones, leveraging diverse learning resources, and self-monitoring. Additionally, AI tools were used for planning, structuring, and formative feedback. The findings are discussed in relation to existing research on online education, emphasizing the critical role of SRL in supporting persistence and success in fully online learning environments.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65043/eurodl.172 | Journal eISSN: 1027-5207

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 12 - 12

Submitted on: Oct 9, 2025

Accepted on: Sep 28, 2026

Published on: Oct 9, 2026

Published by: EDEN Digital Learning Europe

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

Keywords:

self-regulated learning,

first-year online students,

student motivation,

academic persistence,

distance learning,

AI-assisted learning

© 2026 Hanne Kristin Dypedal, Per Ivar Kjaergaard, published by EDEN Digital Learning Europe
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1