Examining the motivations of open and distance learners to participate in activities in online communities regarding various variables

The purpose of this research was to explore the motivations of learners in Anadolu University Open Education System to participate in activities organized in online student communities in terms of various variables. In the study, which was carried out with the cross-sectional survey model of the quantitative research method, the synchronous or asynchronous participation in the activities of the learners registered in one or more online student communities in the Open Education System was examined. However, various analyzes were employed to determine whether the parasocial relationship differentiated learners' motivation to participate in online activities. On the other hand, whether the parasocial relationship differentiates the level of learners' participation in online activities and their intention to recommend these activities to their relatives/friends was also examined. In addition, whether the demographic characteristics of the learners have a role on these variables has also been examined. The population was learners enrolled in Anadolu University Open Education System in 2022-2023 academic year spring semester. The participants in this research were 652 learners who are enrolled in the Open Education System online student communities. Research findings revealed that learners mostly participate in activities in online student communities with the motivation to obtain information, personal development, and academic support. On the other hand, the results also indicated that the level of parasocial relationship with the invited field expert/competent person was relatively high when compared to the lecturer. Finally, while it was determined that the parasocial relationship significantly differentiated the motivation of learners to participate in online activities, it was seen that it had a role on the learners' participation in online activities and their intention to recommend these activities to their relatives/friends. Findings related to the research were discussed and suggestions for future research were presented.