Effectiveness of combining the volitional strategies and messages with motivational design in e-learning on cognitive load and dimensions of volitional control

The purpose of this study was to combine the volitional strategies and messages with motivational design in e-learning and its effectiveness on student’s cognitive load and volitional dimensions. In order to achieve this goal, a mixed method - convergent triangulation design - was used. The statistical population of this study was students of Shahid Modares campus of Farhangian university of Kurdistan. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental design with a control group was used. In this regard, firstly, three classes with a capacity of 85 students selected through available sampling method and then randomly one class assigned to experimental and two classes assigned to control group. In the qualitative section, 9 people were selected through Purposive sampling and Interview conducted with them. The quantitative data was collected by use the volitional control questionnaire and cognitive load questionnaire, and qualitative data by use the semi-structured interview. Quantitative data analysis was done by using covariance analysis and using SPSS software version 21. Qualitative data analyzed by Inductive content analysis through open coding. Findings indicated the effectiveness of combining volitional control strategies and messages with motivational design on student’s cognitive load and all dimensions of volitional control.