Distance Learning retention

I've been reading Parker's 1999 article on distance learning retention, and found it very interesting, in particular in relation to his use of the Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale.  The research question for this study was: Can locus of control, gender, number of distance education courses completed, age, financial assistance, and number of hours employed predict dropout from distance education courses? He study suggested that locus of control and source of financial assistance were the most significant factors affecting dropout.

The Rotter scale sounds interesting and seems to be repeated in some more recent literature on learning success generally. This is reflected in the e-Design Template, but perhaps the self-organised learner phase needs to be introduced earlier, rather than later?

Parker, A. (1999). A Study of Variables that Predict Dropout from Distance Education. International Journal of Educational Technology, 1(2).